The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion: To which is added a discourse, Jesus Christ, the revelation of God; also a collection of authoritative Mormon utterances on the being and nature of God — John Shaqi
The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion: To which is added a discourse, Jesus Christ, the revelation of God; also a collection of authoritative Mormon utterances on the being and nature of GodRoberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Religion
The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion: To which is added a discourse, Jesus Christ, the revelation of God; also a collection of authoritative Mormon utterances on the being and nature of God
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Doctrines; God (Christianity); Jesus Christ -- Mormon interpretations; Latter Day Saint churches -- Doctrines
I have read with great interest and I trust with due care the Rev. C.
Van Der Donckt's Reply to my discourse on "Mormon Doctrine of Deity."
With regard to his Reply in general, I observe three things: first,
the Reverend gentleman labors with some pains to demonstrate that
"Mormon" views of Deity with respect to the form and nature of God are
at variance with the Catholic and even the orthodox Protestant views on
that subject; second, the "Mormon" views of Deity are in conflict with
the accepted Christian philosophy; third, that "Mormon" doctrines stand
in sharp contrast to both Catholic and Protestant ideas respecting the
unity of God. All this is easily proved; and would have been conceded
cheerfully without proofs. "Mormons" not only admit the variances
but glory in them. The foregoing, however, is not the issue between
Mr. Van Der Donckt and myself. After the variances referred to are
admitted, these questions remain: Which is most in agreement with what
God has revealed concerning his form and nature, "Mormon" or orthodox
Christian doctrine? Which is most in harmony with sound reason and
the scriptures, "Mormon" doctrine, or the commonly accepted Christian
philosophy? Which in their teaching presents the true doctrine of God's
unity, "Mormons" or orthodox Christians? These are the issues; and so
far as the Reverend gentleman has maintained the orthodox Christian
doctrine against the "Mormon" doctrine, I undertake to controvert his
arguments.
I.
THE FORM OF GOD.
Following the order of my treatise, the gentleman first deals with the
form of God. His first premise is that "_God is a Spirit_," quoting
the words of the Savior (John 4:24;) and Paul's words, "The Lord is
a spirit," (II Cor. 3:17.) He then argues that a spirit is different
from a man, and quotes the remark of Jesus to his disciples, when he
appeared to them after his resurrection: "A spirit hath not flesh and
bones as ye see me have" (Luke 24:37-39). Also the words of Jesus to
Peter, "Flesh and blood hath not revealed it [that is, that Jesus
is the Christ] unto thee, but my _Father_ who is in heaven." (Matt.
16:17.) The gentleman in all this sees a striking contrast between
_men, flesh and blood,_ and the _Father_; which "conveys the sense that
God hath not flesh and blood like man, but is a spirit."
That God is a spirit Mr. V. holds is proved also from his being called
"invisible" in the Bible; and from this premise argues: "All material
beings are visible. Absolutely invisible beings are immaterial, or
bodiless:" and therefore, to help the gentleman out a little, not like
man in form.
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