JOSEPH SMITH LIED!!! By Tim Barns

I encountered a piece of commentary that might be seen as somewhat hostile. While it's not entirely negative, it certainly tends toward argumentative and uncivil criticism. In response, I am preparing to thoughtfully engage with the points raised. This approach involves crafting careful and considerate replies to address the concerns mentioned effectively. Let's proceed with formulating these responses -

From an actual Post in a Group of uncivilized critics

No here's the text version below -

The fact that the Bible exists, that Christians exist, proves Joseph Smith lied. Even in Smith's day there were Christians all over the world meeting every Sunday preaching the gospel. If the gospel disappeared from the earth, there would have been no Bible, no Christians. But there was, so there was no need for a restoration. The gospel never went anywhere.

JOSEPH SMITH LIED!!!

First and foremost, the existence of Holy Scriptures and Christianity in general does not prove that Joseph Smith was a liar. Such an argument lacks a logical foundation and is inherently flawed. It is akin to claiming, 'Because Catholicism exists, then Evangelical Protestantism must be false,' or asserting that 'The existence of Islam proves Christianity is a lie.' These comparisons are problematic and represent a weak basis for argument. The presence of various religious traditions or organizations does not inherently disprove or delegitimize the beliefs of others.

In addressing misconceptions like these, it's essential to consider the purpose and origin of religious texts and leaders. Joseph Smith, for example, claimed to have restored the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ based on revelations and translations given to him, which were then compiled into the Book of Mormon. Rather than dismissing him outright, one must consider the content and teachings of the Book of Mormon and how they align with or complement the broader Christian doctrine.

Furthermore, the scriptures remind us that God often works through diverse means and messengers. In the New Testament, James 1:5 advises, 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.' This scripture supports the idea that seeking divine truth is a personal journey and that God is willing to provide guidance to all, irrespective of denominational boundaries.

Moreover, the existence of different branches within Christianity and other world religions speaks to the diverse ways in which individuals and cultures understand and relate to the divine, rather than proving deceit or falsehood in doctrinal differences. Religious diversity is a testament to humanity's profound spiritual search, not evidence of deception.

To sum up the issue, the simplistic argument that the existence of traditional Christianity disproves the claims of Joseph Smith and the Latter-day Saint movement does not hold under scrutiny. A more robust approach involves recognizing the shared and unique contributions of various faith traditions towards understanding truth and divinity. As we engage with differing beliefs, it is vital to proceed with openness and respect, embracing the rich tapestry of faith that continues to shape our world.

Does the existence of various religion prove that there's no such thing as Apostasy?

The existence of various religions does not necessarily prove or disprove the concept of apostasy as understood in Latter-day Saint theology. According to LDS teachings, apostasy refers to a general falling away from the truth or priesthood authority established by Jesus Christ. This concept is closely tied to the necessity of the Restoration through Joseph Smith, which is believed to have reestablished the lost authority and fulness of the gospel.

The existence of multiple religions can be seen as evidence of humanity's long history of spiritual seeking and divergence in understanding and interpreting divine teachings, rather than as proof against the idea of apostasy. Each religion can be seen as part of a broader human endeavor to connect with the divine, with each having elements of truth and divinity.

One scriptural reference that discusses the concept of apostasy is found in the Bible, in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The Apostle Paul warns the early Christians

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" This passage suggests that a significant apostasy or falling away from true teachings was anticipated as part of Christian belief, preceding further prophetic events.

Similarly, in the Book of Mormon, Nephi speaks about the loss and restoration of plain and precious parts of the gospel

“And after these plain and precious things were taken away it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles; and after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles, yea, even across the many waters which thou hast seen with the Gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity, thou seest—because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God—because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them” (1 Nephi 13:29).

These scriptures illustrate the belief in an apostasy as a period of diminished understanding and distortion of original teachings, which is viewed as a precursor to the need for a restoration of the fullness of the gospel. Thus, the existence of various religions is seen more as a manifestation of this historical and prophetic process rather than a negation of the concept of apostasy itself.