Sunstone Magazine, ‘Revival Language in the Book of Mormon,’ May – June 1983, pg 22; “The concept of an infinite atonement was born in a famous theory of the atonement by Anselm of Canterbury in the twelfth century. Anselm believed that God was an infinite being, meaning that he was the ideal projection of every good human quality—God possesses infinite knowledge and wisdom, infinite holiness, and so forth…
…“Nothing less than a sacrifice of infinite merit, can atone for the offences of the whole world.” To deny ‘the necessity of an infinite atonement made by the death and suffering of Jesus Christ… goes to overturn the whole system of the gospel ….’ Old Testament prophecy and teaching are ‘all pointing to the great mediator.’ Because Jesus’ sacrifice was ‘offered upon the altar of his divinity, it acquired infinite value…’
We find portions of the above statements throughout the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon has a unique perspective, but it does utilize traditional language and is in fact part of that tradition following Anselm.” – Mark Thomas
2 Nephi 9:7; “ Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement–save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.”
Isaiah 56:11; “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.”
Today’s dilemma was originally going to focus on Anselm of Canterbury’s philosophy being smack dab in the middle of the BoM. As I gathered info on this my focus shifted. What I see in the incendiary teachings of other religious systems couched in LDS canon, is a wasteland of destruction.
Case in point is the gentleman who I’m quoting from today.
My reference from Sunstone Magazine was written by Mark Thomas. He studied at the University of Utah, has written numerous articles for Dialogue and is a participant for the Jesus Seminars of all things. His writings, books and participation in numerous other seminars in and around Utah has put him in the spotlight for sure.
If you click on the link provided for his portfolio you’ll see a well dressed, proud looking man. The overall persona he portrays is very telling. This man is a product of Smith’s degenerate mind and his outright blasphemous teachings from hell. According to Thomas’ portfolio his spiritual condition is somewhere between Mormonism and Zen Buddhism.
While each of us will be held responsible for our acceptance or rejection of Christ Jesus, we’re also going to be held responsible for the things we teach and if we’ve led people away from the Lord.
We’re asking that our prayer warriors please, please get on your knees and pray for Mark Thomas and others who’ve gone their own way after being tricked by the likes of Joe Smith.
Religious Syncretism
“Syncretism, as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, is “the reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief.” This is most evident in the areas of philosophy and religion, and usually results in a new teaching or belief system. Obviously, this cannot be reconciled to biblical Christianity.” – Got Questions?
Mr. Thomas’ article paints the picture of Joseph Smith following the whims of man’s heart by combining the philosophies of man with biblical doctrines. It serves as a clear definition of religious syncretism.
Further into Mr. Thomas’ article he also spoke of the popular teaching of Restorationist Universalism in Smith’s day that you can find in the BoM as well. Smith berated this religious movement in the BoM, 2 Nephi 28:8 for example, which is odd considering it was BC 550 at the time of 2nd Nephi.
Clearly, the BoM is a culmination of the social atmosphere of Joseph Smith’s day and has nothing to do with any people group that was supposed to have existed from BC 600 to 421 AD.
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