This topic should be the catalyst to investigate Mormonism with a fine-toothed comb. The very foundation for all of Mormonism is built upon the story of Joe Smith’s claim he had a face to face encounter with God. That alone warrants such attention!
Setting aside the conflicting stories of when Smith actually saw God, and the problems of when he and Cowdery officially received the priesthood, let’s look at the topic independent of those two inherent problems.
The Church stands firm on the ideology that man can’t see the face of God if they aren’t priesthood holders. They further strengthen their wall of armor by stating only the upper echelon of the Church is allowed to speak for God in all things.
In light of these things, and taking the historical footprint of Joseph Smith’s activities into account, we see nothing but contradictions galore. Consider the following:
Joseph Smith claims he saw God in 1820 at the age of 14 without holding the priesthood.
Joseph Smith History 1:17; “It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”
Twelve years later, Smith prophesied no one can see God unless they hold the priesthood.
September 22-23, 1832
D&C 84:21-22; “And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; 22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.”
Which story is correct and what about John 1:18?
To answer this question I’ve utilized the website of GotQuestions? Here’s what they have to say about this –
“Question: “Has anyone ever seen God?”
Answer: The Bible tells us that no one has ever seen God (John 1:18) except the Lord Jesus Christ. InExodus 33:20, God declares, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” These Scriptures seem to contradict other Scriptures which describe various people “seeing” God. For example, Exodus 33:11describes Moses speaking to God “face to face.” How could Moses speak with God “face to face” if no one can see God’s face and live? In this instance, the phrase “face to face” is a figure of speech indicating they were in very close communion. God and Moses were speaking to each other as if they were two human beings having a close conversation.
In Genesis 32:30, Jacob saw God appearing as a man; he did not truly see God. Samson’s parents were terrified when they realized they had seen God (Judges 13:22), but they had only seen Him appearing as an angel. Jesus was God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14) so when people saw Him, they were seeing God. So, yes, God can be “seen” and many people have “seen” God. At the same time, no one has ever seen God revealed in all His glory. In our fallen human condition, if God were to fully reveal Himself to us, we would be consumed and destroyed. Therefore, God veils Himself and appears in forms in which we can “see” Him. However, this is different than seeing God with all His glory and holiness displayed. People have seen visions of God, images of God, and appearances of God, but no one has ever seen God in all His fullness (Exodus 33:20).”
Our questions still stand.
Which story of Joseph Smith is correct?
Can, or should you trust someone who contradicts himself like this?
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