The Story of "Mormonism" and The Philosophy of "Mormonism"Talmage, James E. (James Edward)
Religion
The Story of "Mormonism" and The Philosophy of "Mormonism"
Talmage, James E. (James Edward)
Latter Day Saint churches; Latter Day Saints
To most of the declarations in the Articles of Faith, many sects
professing Christianity could confidently pledge allegiance; to
many of them, all Christian organizations could and professedly
do subscribe. Belief in the existence and powers of the Supreme
Trinity; in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of mankind;
in man's individual accountability for his doings; in the
acceptance of sacred writ as the Word of God; in the rights of
Worship according to the dictates of conscience; in all the moral
virtues;--these professions and beliefs are as a common creed in
the realm of Christendom. There is no peculiarly "Mormon"
interpretation, in the light of which these principles of faith
and practise are viewed by the Latter-day Saints, except in a
certain simplicity and literalness of acceptance--gross
literalness, unrefined materialism, it has been called by some
critical opponents.
The gospel plan as accepted and taught by the Latter-day Saints
is strikingly simple; disappointing in its simplicity, indeed, to
the mind that can find satisfaction in mysteries alone, and to
him whose love for metaphor, symbolism, and imagery are stronger
than his devotion to truth itself, which may or may not be thus
embellished. The Church asserts that the wisdom of human
learning, while ranking among the choicest of earthly
possessions, is not essential to an understanding of the gospel;
and that the preacher of the Word must be otherwise endowed than
by the learning of the schoolmen. "Mormonism" is for the
wayfaring man, not less than for the scholar, and it possesses a
simplicity adapting it to the one as to the other. A few of the
characteristically "Mormon" tenets may perhaps be profitably
considered.
"Mormonism" affirms its unqualified belief in the Godhead as the
Holy Trinity, comprising Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; each of the
three a separate and individual personage; the Father and the Son
each a personage of spirit and of immortalized body; the Holy
Ghost a personage of spirit.
The unity of the Godhead is accepted in the literal fulness of
scriptural declaration--that the three are one in purpose, plan
and method, alike in all their Godly attributes; one in their
divine omniscience and omnipotence; yet as separate and distinct
in their personality as are any three inhabitants of earth.
"Mormonism" claims that scriptures declaring the oneness of the
Trinity admit of this interpretation; that such indeed is the
natural interpretation; and that the conception is in accord with
reason.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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