Author: Sharon Lindbloom
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Mormon Story of Icelandic Persecution Collides with Fact
In 1960, Nobel Prize winner Halldor Laxness published a book of fiction that centered on an Icelandic man who converted to Mormonism in the mid-19th century. In the summer of 2009, I visited Laxness’ home (now a museum) outside of Reykjavik, Iceland. While there, I bought an English edition of that book, Paradise Reclaimed, and…
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LDS Priesthood Blessings Influenced by “Mortal Imperfections”
At the April 2010 General Conference of the LDS Church, Apostle Dallin Oaks spoke about Mormonism’s priesthood power and how it should be used to heal the sick. “There are five parts to the use of priesthood authority to bless the sick,” he said, “(1) the anointing, (2) the sealing of the anointing, (3) faith,…
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Joseph Smith’s Death Not Inherently Significant?
As part of a discussion here at Mormon Coffee about Joseph Smith’s alleged “I am going like a lamb to the slaughter” comment, one of our Mormon commenters wrote, “Joseph Smith never claimed that his blood would atone for sins, and neither have his followers,… Joseph never claimed to be giving his life and blood…
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Everyone Needs LDS Temple Ordinances
Researcher Helen Radkey has discovered what she believes to be records for proxy temple ordinances performed on behalf of Mary (Jesus’ mother), Jesus Christ, and Mary Magdalene. Ms. Radkey writes, “’Mary Mother of Jesus,’ the spouse of ‘Joseph’ ‘of the House of David…’ was baptized and confirmed a member of the LDS Church by proxy…
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All-Knowing God
The Bible reveals God as omniscient; that is, “God, being infinite, is able to be aware of all things, to understand all things, and to comprehend all things. He never learns anything or acquires new knowledge. The future as well as the past and present are completely known by Him.” (R.C. Sproul, Essential Truths of…
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“Imminent Martyrdom”
At the October 2009 General Conference LDS Apostle Jeffrey Holland gave a talk titled, “Safety for the Soul.” This talk has been closely examined and critiqued in a series of videos posted by FlackerMan on You Tube. In video #2 (of 5) FlackerMan examines Mr. Holland’s claim of Joseph Smith’s dying testimony of the Book…
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Beloved Rescue Story Is a Myth. Say It Ain’t So.
One feature of the 2008 book Devil’s Gate: Brigham Young and the Great Mormon Handcart Tragedy by David Roberts is the debunking of popular myths connected to the “handcart experiment.” There are many, and they are continually believed and repeated within Mormon circles. Some of these stories are held very dear and beloved by Latter-day…
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Awake or Asleep, It’s All the Same
In his 2009 book Temple Worship Simplified, author Terrance Drake devotes a chapter to the question, “Should you come to the temple if you find it difficult to stay awake and focus on the ordinance?” After assuring his readers that many LDS temple patrons (if not all at some point in time) struggle to stay…
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LDS Missionaries Teaching English in Korea
GlobalPost recently reported (1 June 2010) on LDS missionary efforts in South Korea. It seems LDS missionaries display placards and pass out fliers offering free English lessons to anyone who wants them. But if there was any fine print on the fliers (which there isn’t), those interested would learn that only those willing to also…
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First Nephi and the Son of God
The book of First Nephi (in the Book of Mormon) reflects four significant (and similar) additions that Joseph Smith made to the original text before the publication of the second edition in 1837. The changes are indicated by italics in the following: 1830: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of God Now:…
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Immigration and LDS Proselytizing
A major player in the new controversial Arizona immigration law is Senator Russell Pearce. Sen. Pearce, a Mormon, sponsored the new law, which has caused Hispanic LDS conversions in Arizona to suffer. The Arizona Republic reports, “The law, which makes it a state crime to be in the country without proper immigration papers, has tarnished…
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Authorized and Official Biography
A new book about Joseph Smith is about to hit the market. A recent online press release divulged, “Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, could be the most controversial and mysterious religious figure of the past two hundred years. While volumes have been written about him— both in praise and contempt— the reality is that very…
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What is grace?
A recent visitor to Mormon Coffee asked if the Mormons here could help him/her understand the LDS doctrine of grace. The visitor wondered, “Where [in Mormonism] is the idea of grace being unmerited favor?” This got me to thinking about yet another foundational difference between Mormonism and biblical Christianity: the definition of grace. Quoting a…
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Something Wrong Within Us
I read an article by Kelly M. Kapic titled, “simul iustus et peccator” (“at once justified and sinner”) which, among other things, addressed the sorry condition of the human heart. Dr. Kapic wrote, “Something is wrong not simply ‘out there’ but within us. Jeremiah probed the human heart and soberly declared, ‘The heart is deceitful…
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Catholic and Mormon
The Paragould Daily Press in Paragould, Arkansas recently published a short Guest Column written by a Mormon/Catholic man from Texas. Interestingly, James Marples wrote: “I was baptized Roman Catholic as an infant. However, I didn’t ‘convert’ to Mormonism as such. However, I did receive an LDS church baptism as an adult. I made it clear…
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The Only Way to Atone
Ronnie Lee Gardner shot and killed an attorney in Salt Lake City in 1985. Convicted and sentenced to death, Mr. Gardner is finally nearing the end of his appeals processes. As he faces the reality of his execution, as allowed by Utah law, he has chosen death by firing squad. The current news focus on…
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Without the Priesthood
A week ago at church the pastor preached on Mark 1:21-22, on Jesus’ authority. We learn at the very beginning of Mark’s gospel that Jesus used His authority to teach in an astonishing way (Mark 1:22). He cast out demons and unclean spirits by His authority (Mark 1:23-27). He used His authority to heal the…
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Gospel Questions
This may seem like a silly question, but can anyone tell me what comprises “the Gospel” according to Mormonism? I ask because I recently came across a video on You Tube titled “Sharing the Gospel with Elder Hartman Rector Jr., A Missionary Tool.” In this video Mr. Rector, emeritus General Authority of the LDS Church,…
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Wedding Heartbreak
It’s April and we’re heading into wedding season. For families that are part LDS and part not, this can be very a difficult time. Faithful and worthy betrothed Mormons are married in LDS temples, which means their non-LDS (or LDS but unworthy or young) family members cannot attend. The Arizona Republic recently ran a very…
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Flawless Righteousness
The April issue of Ensign magazine (pages 38-42) includes an article by LDS Seventy (First Quorum) Richard J. Maynes. “The Eternal Importance of Honesty” is itself a breath of fresh air in its own honesty. The article clearly reflects traditional LDS teachings, the sort of ideas Mormons like to believe aren’t really Church doctrine. To…