Alma 29: 9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

When we, the children of God, progress from hope (belief), to faith (a principle of action), to obedience of a law or commandment, we are “authorized” by our God to perform the act of obedience and obtain the promise of His blessing (knowledge, ref. D&C 130: 20-21). This is what Alma did at the Waters of Mormon (Mosiah 18: all verses). Alma, a self proclaimed sinful man, desired to repent; so, acting on the words (warnings) of the prophet Abinidai, and his own faith, Alma immersed himself with Helam (Mosiah 18: 12), baptizing them both with God’s authority (resident in the law or commandment to repent and be baptized, ref. Acts 2:38). Everyone at the Waters of Mormon were "re-baptized", inasmuch as they were already “members” of the Nephite religion.

Being baptized at age 8 was not my choice, nor was I “accountable” or mature enough to comprehend the act. I later discovered in the truest book on earth (Book of Mormon) that “re-baptism” is doctrinal; but was phased out of practice in the LDS church several generations ago. Here’s an excellent resource on the subject. Also read all of Alma, Chapters 5, 6, & 7 (existing "members" are commanded to be baptized again).

If you’ve read prior posts in this blog, I’ve indicated I believe the LDS church was rejected by the Lord in Nauvoo; but not permanently. I believe our Lord is inviting us now to repent and accept a new covenant with Him. We can recognize it is from Him because the pattern has not changed. It requires repentance and baptism to enter in at His gate, and He is the keeper of that gate and has placed no servant there (2 Nephi 9: 40-41).

On November 25, 2014, I and a few persons close to me, went to a body of “living water” and followed Alma’s example at the Waters of Mormon. My desire was to recommit my life to following my Lord’s example, receive a remission of my sins, and accept His new covenant. 

Oh, wait, isn’t our baptism covenant “renewed” each time we partake of the emblems of the Sacrament? Read the Sacrament prayers and ask yourself if it says your sins are being remitted (Moroni 4^th & 5^th chapters). Suppose you committed a serious sin and confessed to your bishop; he puts you on probation and restricts you from partaking of the emblems of the Sacrament; at the end of the probation, he announces you may partake of the Sacrament again. So, when, how, and by whom were you forgiven of the sin? According to the truest book on earth, baptism is the ordinance for remission of sins (Moroni 8: 25-26). Of course our Lord can forgive sins at will, as He has paid our debts as our Savior and Redeemer (John 8: 3-11).

In Nephi’s incredible self-examination (ref. 2 Nephi 4: 15-35), the great “stumbling block” revealed by Nephi is trusting in the arm of flesh (man) rather than the Lord alone (2 Nephi 4: 33-35). “Follow the Prophet” is not doctrinal; but we've all been taught the idea since childhood that "prophets" will never be allowed to lead us astray; then what do we do about major mistakes made by Mormon Prophets?. We are told that living prophets trump dead prophets and can change doctrines as needed; but doesn't that confound who and what God is (unchangeable and cannot lie)? Haven't we forfeited our agency by accepting that God has given his authority to fallible man (ref. 2 Nephi 28: 5-6)?

In March of 2017, I was invited to assist with a conference of believers of Jesus Christ, held in St. George, Utah. I fasted and prayed before accepting the invitation, which was that I be at Ivins Reservoir on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. to baptize anyone that came for that purpose. The baptism was not into a church; but in similitude of Christ’s example and divine purpose (Matthew 3: 13-17), and to obey His doctrine (2 Nephi 31: all verses; 3 Nephi 11: 31-41). 

A few days later, I had a strong impression to schedule a meeting with my Stake President and express the steps I’ve taken toward spiritual self-reliance (ref. exhibit A below of a redacted copy of a letter I gave him at the meeting). As I left the meeting, the SP promised me “there will be consequences”.

So, a couple of years later, an interview was requested by the new SP on August 8, 2019. After pleasantries were exchanged, I was confronted with the accusation that I had joined a new church and was engaged in recruiting people into it. The SP stated he had personally witnessed me giving a presentation to a group of people at a local restaurant and he knew it was of a “religious nature”. I gave several facts why it was impossible who he saw was me, and asked that he bring forth anyone claiming I’ve attempted to recruit them into a new church; his reply “I know it was you” (it’s pretty humbling to realize the “judge is also the accuser”).

In the second meeting on August 11, 2019, I was told that if I don’t repent and follow my leaders, there was no other option than a disciplinary council. I suggested there was another option … allow me to continue to worship at home according to the dictates of my own conscience (11^th Article of Faith); or in simpler words … just leave me alone. 

Two days later two SP counselors delivered a summons to appear before a disciplinary council. Having served as a high council member and having previously delivered the same summons for the same purpose, it was humbling to be on this side of the transaction.

I must say I’m no victim of injustice with all of this; after all, the Holy Spirit and I set this in motion 2½ years earlier. I haven’t been playing cat and mouse with church leaders since then either, and I certainly haven’t been attempting to recruit people into a phantom church. Nevertheless, the time had come to "pony up". I'm grateful to have the love of my Wife and Family; otherwise, this would have been very hard to bear. Most of all, I'm grateful how my Lord has buoyed me up with His own example and words of wisdom:

John 9

[39] And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

Matthew 10

[16] Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
[17] But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
[18] And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.
[19] But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
[20] For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

Isaiah 51

[7] Hearken unto me, you that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear you not the reproach of men, neither be you afraid of their revilings.

The disciplinary council occurred the evening of Sunday, August 18, 2019. I prayed the Holy Spirit would prevail over the proceeding, and it did. I brought my Wife and two daughters (both married with families) as my witnesses; not to defend me, but to hear every question or accusation and my answers. I acquired a very personal understanding of the meaning of “… and ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and contrite a spirit” (3 Nephi 9: 20).

After receiving the decision of the SP via regular mail, I prepared and certify-mailed a Letter of Appeal ( ref. exhibit "B") to the 1^st Presidency of The Church (™). Four months have elapsed and I’ve received no answer to it.

The Sunday following the disciplinary council (August 25, 2019), a new Stake was announced and the SP who handled my case was transferred to preside over the new stake. So, with the shuffle of some paper, he is no longer responsible for me. A couple of months later, the man that replaced him in my Stake asked for an appointment with me. I assumed it was to discuss my appeal, but he relayed that an area authority (Elder Garcia) wanted him to inquire if I am ready to start on the path of repentance. The SP didn’t know if Elder Garcia was handling my appeal, but said he would get back with me. So, two more months have elapsed without word; am I upset about the silence? No. If I didn’t know where I stand with my Lord, this experience would be frustrating; but it isn’t. I take comfort knowing my Lord hasn't forsaken me (Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God - D&C 18: 10); even though "not so great" in the sight of busy men.

March 20, 2017

President Joseph A. Cottle                                Exhibit “A”

Monroe Utah Stake

140 South Main

Monroe, UT 84754

Re: Hand delivered letter

Dear President Cottle,

                I want to express to you how much I love you and your family, as well as everyone I and my family have lived among and worshiped with for the past sixteen years. During this time, I have witnessed much sincere sacrifice and service for one another in this community of believers of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

                I must thank you for your witness of Christ over these years. I particularly remember hearing you quote D&C 93: 1 several years ago in a Stake Conference. This has become one of my favorite scriptures. I take it literally and am trying to live according to its promise (you shall see my face and know that I am). I have faith this can happen in this mortal life. My relationship with Christ has been most positively affected by becoming familiar with Lectures on Faith. I had never heard of these lectures until approximately six years ago; they are beautiful and my efforts to live by them have brought me closer to my Savior than ever before.

                Over the last six years I have developed a pattern of daily scripture study and prayer, something I have been “hit and miss” with all my life. I have also been very interested in LDS Church history. In studying my family’s genesis in the LDS restoration (my earliest ancestor joined the LDS Church in 1842 in Nauvoo, IL), I have gained greater perspective from the scriptures (particularly Chapter 124 of the D&C) of the trials that befell the Saints from Kirtland through Nauvoo, and after Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred. The Holy Spirit confirmed to me these brothers were in fact prophets, seers, and revelators of God (ref. D&C 124: 91-96).

            Joseph Smith taught in D&C 130: “18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. During the past six years, I have read the scriptures and many books and have attended lectures and conferences in my quest for truth, knowledge, and perspective. I have made many friends and was recently invited by some of these friends to help with a conference held in St. George, UT (http://doctrineofchristconference.com). I fasted and prayed over this invitation and received clear instruction from the scriptures and impressions from the Holy Spirit to accept the invitation. It took place on March 18 – 19 and was a beautiful assembly of believers of the Doctrine of Jesus Christ (2 Nephi 31, 3 Nephi 11: 31-41).

                My journey is introducing me to people similar to me (LDS), some who were LDS, Christians of numerous denominations, and some who believe in Jesus Christ but affiliate with no formal religion. I want to make it clear I have not joined a different church and am not flirting with those intentions. I believe, leading up to the coming of Christ, the pure in heart in all the churches of the world, and even many of those “bad” people in the highways (Matt. 22: 1-14) will choose Christ’s invitation to follow Him alone (2 Nephi 4: 34, 2 Nephi 9: 41, D&C 10: 67-68), forsaking the precepts of men.

I intend to share my insights from the scriptures only with those who approach and ask this of me. I hope what I have expressed here is not misperceived as conflicting with the rules of LDS Church. I cherish everything I have experienced in the LDS Church and do not want to resign my membership or lose my fellowship with you, your family and those in our Ward and Stake family. I only want to express myself honestly and truthfully, with love and appreciation for all of you, receiving the same in return (ref. Article of Faith 11).

I am available to speak with you further.

Faithfully, your brother in Christ,

Roy Moore

Exhibit "B"

August 28, 2019

First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150

RE: Request for appeal of excommunication of Roy Allen Moore, Jr.

Dear Brethren,

A Disciplinary Council was held on August 18, 2019, to address the accusation against me of ‘conduct unbecoming a member of the Church’. The two hour meeting was conducted by Stake President, Brian Barton and ended with his decision to excommunicate me from the Church.

Key points:        

1.       In the first of two pre-Disciplinary Council meetings on 8/8/19 and 8/11/19, I gave the Stake President a copy of a letter (ref. exhibit ‘A’) I had given to former Stake President, Joseph Cottle, dated 3/20/2017. The current Stake President said he was unaware of the letter. I find it hard to believe President Barton wasn’t briefed by President Cottle during their transition. I would have appreciated follow up long ago as opposed to a few weeks before President Barton was reassigned to a newly created Stake of which my Ward is not assigned.

2.       In a pre-Disciplinary Council meeting on 8/8/19, the Stake President stated he has heard rumors that I’m involved in a different church; he also stated he personally witnessed me giving a presentation to a group of people at a local restaurant six months ago; I responded these rumors are untrue.

This subject was not discussed during the Disciplinary Council in my presence; but may have been shared with the Council participants. If this topic was discussed while I was asked to wait outside, I was not given the opportunity to refute the claim or examine any evidence or witnesses brought to substantiate the accusation.

3.       The Stake President asked whether or not I was ‘re-baptized’; I said ‘yes’ and (1) explained why I took the action. He said he heard I’ve re-baptized my entire family; I said ‘a few but not all and each are adults’. I stated my re-baptism is only to recommit myself to God in the same spirit that Alma and hundreds at the Waters of Mormon did and has nothing to do with joining a different church.

4.       The Stake President asked what I know about ‘Denver Snuffer’ and what interactions I have with him; I answered I have read his books and attended his lectures, but I do not interact with him. I also stated I read many authors on the subject of religion, both within and outside of the Church.

5.       It was stated the leaders of the Church hold keys and authority to govern the affairs of the Lord on the earth; I was asked if I agree with that or not. I responded I don’t dispute their claim of (2) keys; but I have taken full responsibility for my beliefs and actions, and have taken the Holy Scriptures and Holy Spirit as my guide and only submit to The Holy One of Israel (2 Nephi 4: 34-35, 2 Nephi 9: 40-41); after all, He is the only one who can forgive my sins and save my soul.

Many more questions were asked of me and answers given; however, I perceive these are the main reasons for the Disciplinary Council and decision to excommunicate me from the Church.

Brethren, I recognize the privilege I am blessed with being involved with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through the Church I was introduced to the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon. Local church leaders and members from Richfield, UT encouraged and financially helped me teach and bare witness of the Book of Mormon to the people of Japan. I became convinced of the literal truth of the Book of Mormon over the course of the last 39 years. I believe the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and warns us how the adversary, using the lure of Babylon, will effectively deceive ‘even the elect’ (2 Nephi, chapter 28). It is by following the message of the Book of Mormon (D&C 84: 54-57) and choosing to worship at home, rather than risk disputing with others at church over my interpretation of warnings in the Book of Mormon, that I am brought before this Disciplinary Council. All I ask for is peace, that I may worship Almighty God according to the dictates of my own conscience; therefore, I appeal to you to please overturn the decision to excommunicate.

Most sincerely,

Roy Allen Moore, Jr.

cc: Stake President Brian Barton

Top of Form

(1)                  Re-baptism:                    Abinidai was commanded by God to call King Noah and his people (Nephites a/k/a Covenant People) to repent and obey their God. Alma was persuaded by the message and chose to carry the Lord’s warning to his family and neighbors. Acting on God’s warnings through the Prophet Abinidai, Alma and others met at the Waters of Mormon to repent and recommit to obey their God. The action of recommitting is ‘re-baptism’. Alma was a wicked and adulterous priest in King Noah’s court, how did he come to believe he was authorized to baptize? Because he accepted the Lord’s message through the Prophet Abinidai and exercised faith that ‘authority’ is resident in every act of obedience to God’s laws (… And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated. D&C 130: 21). Alma’s sins were cleansed at the moment he immersed himself while baptizing Helam (Oh Lord, pour out thy spirit upon thy servant that he may do this work with holiness of heart. And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God ... Mosiah 18: 12-13).

Alma went on to organize 7 churches throughout Zarahemla. Within 40 years, many of the church members were lapsing into sin again. By this time Alma Sr. was dead and his Son, Alma the Younger was the Chief Judge in Zarahemla. Turning over the judgement seat to another, he began a ministry to the 7 churches his father had organized. By examining the entirety of the book of Alma, chapters 5, 6, and 7, Alma is commanding in the name of the Lord, that members of the Lord’s church repent and be baptized again, and those not previously baptized are invited to be baptized, or neither can enter the Kingdom of God. Notice is taken this pattern was consistent even for the righteous people of Gideon (chapters 6 and 7).

The Lord’s warnings through Abinidai most definitely involved repentance and re-baptism. Repentance and baptism are the centerpiece of the Doctrine of Christ found in 2 Nephi, chapters 30 and 31, and also in 3 Nephi 11: 31 through 41. Re-baptism was taught and practiced for repentance and healing during the Joseph Smith era. In 1856, Brigham Young instructed all members to recommit to the Lord through re-baptism (Wikipedia: Rebaptism (Mormonism)).

(2)                  Keys and Authority:                          The Apostle Paul had no ‘keys’, but he was called of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1) and performed as meaningful a mission as did Peter and the other 11. There is only one reference to ‘keys’ in the Book of Mormon found in 1 Nephi 4: 20 (according to Joseph Smith, the truest book upon the earth and containing the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ).

Every individual is given ‘authority’ over self (a/k/a agency) by our Creator. ‘Authority’ by religious leaders is forfeited by unrighteousness (D&C 121: 34-46 - ‘… almost all men, when they obtain a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion’). The Lord explains clearly how ‘authority’ is to be used righteously (D&C 121: 41-46 - ‘No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile …’). Many are called but few are chosen.

Jacob Chapter 2 and D&C Chapter 132

After her eleven year marriage ended in divorce, my Mother, LaJuana Cox, raised my two sisters, my brother and I as a single parent. Although barely nine years old when these struggles began, I was aware of the pressure my Mother was under raising four kids alone. There were no jobs beneath her (including bar-maid), she worked anywhere she could to support us. She eventually landed good pay in a profession few women were working and none were welcome. Her father was a heavy equipment operator, her mother drove bus in Salt Lake City, her brothers, sister, and former husband, all drove semi’s and heavy equipment. She picked up these skills as well and challenged the gender stereotype by proving herself in a man’s world. Mom worked decades wrangling huge equipment in hazardous conditions, eventually trading the big trucks for driving limousines in Las Vegas.

Every woman in my life, Grandmothers, Mother, Wife, Sisters, and Daughters have shaped the lenses through which I view the world. I am under the influence of strong women who carry more responsibilities than average women. I have always known I am not superior to them; oh sometimes they ask me to open a jar or lift something heavy, but my attributes are no greater than theirs, in fact, they possess innate attributes that I and most men struggle with (pure hearts, self-sacrificing, and deeply loving).

Unfortunately, women in this world are still suffering oppression from unrighteously dominating men. The Scriptures explain that God loves His Daughters and condemns unrighteous dominion, especially by men claiming to have God’s Authority (a/k/a Priesthood; ref. D&C 121: 34-46). Probably the most egregious manner some religious men have abused the Daughters of God is by convincing women that God is a polygamist. 

Consider what God said to the whoring Nephites in Jacob Chapter 2:

31 For behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and heard the mourning of the daughters of my people in the land of Jerusalem, yea, and in all the lands of my people, because of the wickedness and abominations of their husbands.

32 And I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of the fair daughters of this people, which I have led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up unto me against the men of my people, saith the Lord of Hosts.

33 For they shall not lead away captive the daughters of my people because of their tenderness, save I shall visit them with a sore curse, even unto destruction; for they shall not commit whoredoms, like unto them of old, saith the Lord of Hosts.

Then Jacob speaks:

34 And now behold, my brethren, ye know that these commandments were given to our father, Lehi; wherefore, ye have known them before; and ye have come unto great condemnation; for ye have done these things which ye ought not to have done.

35 Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.

I was taught the justification for plural marriage in the early LDS church is based on two sources, Jacob 2: verse 30 and D&C Chapter 132. LDS lesson manuals teach the Lord commanded Joseph Smith to institute plural marriage apparently to “increase seed unto the Lord”;

30 For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.

I now believe verse 30 is not interpreted correctly and has caused hundreds of thousands of women and children to be pierced with deep wounds. Read one of the best investigations of Jacob 2 I’ve found and see for yourself.

The following verse was standing doctrine on Marriage for the last seven years of Joseph Smith's life:

D&C 101: 4 ... Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. 

According to an official essay by the LDS church, Joseph was secretly marrying women (some as young as 14) and having sex with most of them. If God commanded Joseph and others to live this "higher law", why was Joseph publishing and saying he wasn't doing this when he was? Why is this "higher law" surrounded by lying? Why did this "higher law" conflict with the laws of the land? Why, with the commandments and blessings of God, didn't the "Kingdom of God on the Earth" (a/k/a The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) secure sovereignty from the United States of America?

It took 32 years for Brigham Young to replace the original D&C Chapter 101 with Chapter 132. During the same time frame brother Brigham received only one canonized revelation of his own (D&C 136). What happened to "Thus saith the Lord" revelations since the beginning of Mormonism? Here's excellent research on the subject.

Even though scripture establishes "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (2 Corinthians 13: 1; also ref. 2 Nephi 11: 3), modern LDS church leaders would have us accept an 1874 Affidavit from William Clayton (sole witness) that Joseph Smith dictated to Clayton the purported "celestial marriage revelation" (canonized in 1876 as D&C Chapter 132). The other two witnesses (Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith) were deceased for 30 years when these words were put into their mouths by William Clayton; whom shall I believe?

Thankfully, I learned from scripture that truth is discerned through prayerful supplication. I've read many journals of pioneer men and women who testify their belief in plural marriage came by way of their parents and church leaders. It seems natural to trust that someone else is "right" rather than believe we will obtain truth internally, if we patiently trust in the Lord and not our own understanding (ref. Psalm 146: 3; Jeremiah 17: 5; 2 Nephi 4: 34-35).

William Clayton's famous hymn "Come, Come ye Saints" takes on a different meaning for me when his version of the words "... all is well ... all is well" is compared with the warning of 2 Nephi 28: 21.

Brother Clayton's hymn and Affidavit has effectively pacified generations of Latter-day Saints; as for me, thanks Brother Clayton, but no thanks.

I testify the ‘church’ is true (ref. D&C 10: 67-70)

If anyone has read my blog posts and perceives I am disaffected with the LDS Church, let me repent and clarify myself.

I am a descendant of ‘Mormon’ pioneers (through my Mother). I have researched and read everything I can find out about my ancestors through some of their journal writings and contemporary history books. They’re not just ‘pioneers’, they are part of me and I am part of them. I am also a descendant of non-denominational ‘Christians’ (through my Father). While my Dad's family expressed belief in God, they didn’t appear to exclusively embrace any denomination. Even though I jumped into ‘Mormonism’ with both feet as a young man, I’ve never forgotten my dual heritage and believe it has helped to balance my perception.

So, after 35 years in the ‘Mormon’ experience, what can I honestly testify is true?

1. I testify the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and its authors (Nephi, Alma, Mormon, Moroni, etc.) are real prophets. It is indeed a second witness (with the Bible) of Jesus Christ. Regardless of how it came into existence, its content stirs my soul and has awakened my understanding of who I am and my place in this Universe.

2.The Doctrine and Covenants chronicles the Lord’s attempt to gather his children ‘as a hen gathereth her chicks’; 99.9% of its contents came through Joseph Smith, who I testify is a true prophet of God.

3.The content of The Pearl of Great Price came through a real prophet of God. Anyone that dismisses its content loses treasures of hidden knowledge.

4. The behavior of past and present ‘Mormons’ proves the truth of the teachings contained in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. Anyone who doesn’t internalize the teachings is either not seriously studying or perceives the warnings pertain to ‘other people’ and not themself. The Adversary values either viewpoint.

Let’s not forget the Adversary claims this Earth as his ‘kingdom’ and vowed to use its wealth to influence his causes; he unleashed the fury of hell on Joseph Smith and the 'Restoration', and has not relaxed his design to destroy it by every means possible. Let’s not mistake the warning themes in the Book of Mormon (eg. ‘pride’, ‘priestcraft’, ‘idolatry’, ‘neglect of the poor’, ‘whoredoms’, ‘murder’, ‘believing all is well in Zion’, etc.), as being directed at those who will never read the Book of Mormon. Let’s not forget the book teaches ‘there are save two churches only’,

10 And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth. (1 Nephi 14: 10).

Let’s not include ourselves among the ‘end time’ people Moroni was shown by the Lord,

35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

36 And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.

37 For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and afflicted.

38 O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies - because of the praise of the world?

39 Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?

40 Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations - to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads?

41 Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer. (Mormon 8: 35-41)

Do these warnings have bearing on someone that does not believe the Book of Mormon is the Word of God? Yes, but more so on those of us that do believe. I repent of taking the Book of Mormon lightly (D&C 84: 54-61) for most of the last 35 years and pray all of us will recognize the awful situation we are in.

5.       And lastly, I testify the church of Lamb of God is true, and the Book of Mormon teaches how to get there.

God bless.

Why beat a dead horse (Joseph Smith and Polygamy).

If you followed the two links in my prior post, you’ve discovered Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith vigorously and openly challenged the secret activities of many LDS people, including leaders, who had adopted ‘spiritual wifery’ (Polygamy/Bigamy). Joseph Smith did not permit instigators to go unchallenged, bringing many before church councils to root out the truth. Joseph Smith himself was once accused by Oliver Cowdery of an immoral act with 16 year old Fanny Alger, which led to a council where Cowdery recanted the accusation and Joseph was acquitted.

John C. Bennett is a character you may have known little about, yet he played a principle role in everything that influenced this secret ‘illicit sex society’ in Nauvoo. After his excommunication for immorality, Bennett helped establish and operate the ‘Nauvoo Expositor’ printing press, which published the article that Joseph Smith was the influence behind the ‘spiritual wifery’ practice. After the Nauvoo City Council ordered the destruction of Bennett’s printing press, Joseph and Hyrum Smith were charged in connection with that order and ended up at the Carthage jail, where their lives ended. Bennett went on to publish a book that pinned ‘spiritual wifery’ entirely on Joseph Smith. In the book, Bennett claimed to have infiltrated Mormonism to expose it as a fraud; Bennett was the actual ‘fraud’. Since current LDS Church leaders agree that Joseph Smith secretly practiced plural marriage with up to 34 women, some as young as 14, and he was having sex with most of them (ref. BYU's FairMormon), they appear to agree that Bennett was at least partly right.

The second link in my prior post is a summary of DNA research that proved Joseph Smith did not father children with numerous purported plural wives. So if recent LDS Church leaders assert Joseph Smith did [father children with plural wives], but DNA science [so far] is proving contrary, in which should I place my confidence?

In an era [1830–1844] of no contraception, pregnancy could not be prevented if sexual intimacy was happening (except in rare cases of sterility).The DNA study proves Joseph Smith was not the biological ancestor of these descendants, therefore, he did not have sexual intercourse with those women who claimed to be his plural wife. I perceive Ugo Perego, who happens to be LDS, has no agenda to prove Joseph Smith was or wasn’t a Polygamist, he is simply a Scientist who strives for facts (a/k/a ‘truth’). Since Brigham Young University dropped the funding of the study mid-stream, Mr. Perego is continuing the study with private support.

Everyone in Mormonism knows that Emma Hale Smith and her children did not follow Brigham Young to Deseret (Utah). Near the end of Emma’s life, she gave a sworn statement that her husband did not institute or practice a concept by any name that involved having sexual intercourse with other women. Read Emma’s testimony to her children, grandchildren, and the world; pray about what she said; Emma would be a 'liar' by definition if you agree with the LDS Church on this one.

By 1852, Brigham Young went on to challenge the United States Government that Polygamy (or ‘Celestial Marriage’ in LDS terminology) was protected by the 1^st Amendment of the Constitution. By 1882, the Federal Government had enacted laws to stamp out the practice of men cohabitating with more than one woman anywhere in the United States and its Territories. Even though Brigham Young and his successors eventually lost the battle, the practice of ‘celestial (plural) marriage’ was driven underground. Today, more than 80 factions of the pre-Manifesto LDS Church still practice a form of ‘celestial (plural) marriage’. The mainstream LDS Church admits the practice within the church went on into the 1930’s. Most LDS members today believe in a doctrine that ‘celestial (plural) marriage will persist throughout eternity.

So is this an ‘old news … time to move on … nothing important about this anymore’ kind of thing? Some have said to me ‘…then don’t study about it and it won’t bother you so much’. Not so fast … it was LDS Church leaders that recently decided to release an Essay on the subject, and I appreciate they did, because the truth is always relevant.

Obtaining the truth is agonizing when it challenges everything you believe, but in the end, truth is essential to triumph. The Lord does not walk in crooked paths, He does not say one thing, but mean another. When man disobeys God, he stumbles and is left unto himself, confusion sets in and doctrines of men prevail.

In the Spring of 1820, do you remember how Joseph Smith described his experience of going to a ‘sacred grove’ to pray to God about which church he should join? As he began to pray, do you remember his description of nearly being destroyed by an evil influence? Do you think that ‘evil influence’ ever left him alone as he lived his daily life? When Cain envied God’s approval of the sacrifice made by his brother, Abel, it was that same ‘evil influence’ that encouraged Cain to murder his brother, and thereby take possession of all his brother’s achievements. That ‘evil influence’ is alive and well in our lives too; it is at the root of every occasion that a person bares false witness against another, or exploits a person’s vulnerability, or exercises control or dominion over others in the name of ‘priesthood’.

What if Joseph Smith is innocent? What if ‘spiritual wifery’ or ‘celestial plural marriage’ was not introduced and practiced by him? What if Joseph was only sealing men and women to himself as the ‘Father of the last dispensation’? Can believing that Joseph Smith engaged in plural marriage when he really didn’t constitute ‘speaking evil’ of him, as Moroni proclaimed many people will do?

Ask God as you patiently study his word and history, and truth will distill upon your soul.

The next installment on this topic will get into the scriptures (Jacob 2; D&C 132).

What does it mean ... "A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge" (Teachings of Joseph Smith)

My Mom’s oldest brother, Sherwin Cox, died in 2001. At our family reunion prior to his death, he approached me for a private conversation.

I could tell in his expression he had something serious to say to me, he said “I want you to know why I kept my family out of the [LDS] church”. I didn’t know what was coming next, and after a pause he continued … “Polygamy … it’s evil … it’s of the Devil”. I was stunned, but my brain was racing with how to reply. I stammered the words “but … but … Joseph Smith … he …”, my Uncle smiled a kind smile and walked away.

A day before his brief words with me, I watched him greet with hugs every family as they arrived at the family reunion. He was known as good, kind, generous, and busy, but now his priorities were urgent as time was slipping away too quickly.

Sometime after his death, I attended the St. George LDS Temple with my Mother, Grandmother, Uncle and Aunt, and the wife of my deceased Uncle Sherwin. The purpose was a vicarious sealing of him to his Wife, Donna. There were a lot of happy tears shed that day, and we all believed he was pleased with what took place.

As my busy life rolled on, I occasionally reflected on that brief encounter with Uncle Sherwin at the family reunion. Why was it so important to him to tell me that … to how many others did he say those words … an ember was smoldering within me to understand why he said what he said.

My Dad passed away unexpectedly several years later. It was hard to accept, people so important to my existence were now gone. When Grandma Vivian died, I really felt melancholy when visiting the Reunion property alone. I can be there with Family and enjoy myself, but alone, I feel tears coming on as I walk about and remember.  Oh how I miss them all.

So in the fall of 2011 a strong and persistent feeling came over me that I must delve into my paradigm and turn over every stone. My kids got tired of hearing about my research into why Blacks were denied the priesthood; and whether or not it was Joseph Smith that instituted Polygamy; and why the LDS Church was investing billions in City Creek, Philadelphia, and Florida.

I wondered at times, and still do, whether these promptings were connected with my belief that our deceased loved-ones are mindful of us, and they now possess an unfettered perspective on the past, present, and future. While I don't believe they are permitted to interfere with our agency, I believe our souls are communicative, after all, I have their DNA within me, our connection is eternal. I’ve had dreams, a few I consider visions, that left me with impressions of things that are changing, that time is winding down, maybe it’s just my own conscience reminding that I’ve lived two-thirds of my potential mortality. Whatever it is, I’ve been driven to study out practically everything I’ve ever embraced, to know for certain it is based on truth and not tradition. 

Early last year one of my grown children helped me set up this blog. She said it will help me share my findings with the family and anyone else I might want to share with. I have only posted a half-dozen times so far, and only two people have ever left comments, but this is a forum for me to process what I learn. I don’t claim to be right, I always reference sources to support what I share, and I welcome feedback. This is about seeking truth and having the courage to change when I'm on the wrong side of it. Tradition is damning, I can't imagine the horror finding out after death that I left my posterity behind in darkness.

I’m experiencing many emotions as I challenge my paradigm; sometimes excitement, sometimes sorrow. I’m not afraid of seeking truth because its source is the Creator of my soul. Although I cannot see Him, I feel His presence, and His words (scripture) give hope that He is at the end of my journey.

BTW, I now realize my Uncle Sherwin wasn't asking for my opinion about Polygamy, but rather, planting a seed of desire to know the truth. How thankful I am he loved me that much. 

In the same spirit of my Uncle Sherwin, I now share with you what I've learned about Joseph Smith and Polygamy. If it matters to you to 'get knowledge', I recommend you start here. Another source is a DNA science study originally commissioned by Brigham Young University to confirm whether or not Joseph Smith is the ancestor of families who claim to descend from purported plural wives. If 'getting knowledge' is your thing, as it is mine, there is much to share. Because truth is so easily counterfeited and the scriptures warn of 'false' and 'lying' teachers, I want to emphasize that before I share what I study, I ponder and pray over it unceasingly. The subject of Polygamy has taken years of study and prayer to reach this point, and I must share.

Stand by for Part Two of this subject.

A Letter to my Friends and Neighbors

October 8, 2017

Dear Friends,

We’ve been friends and neighbors for 17 years. While Doris and I are private people, it matters greatly to us that you know why we haven't been at church for quite awhile.

You may or may not know that I wasn’t raised active in the LDS church and Doris joined in her mid-teens. My Dad’s side of the family aren’t LDS, nor is Doris’ entire family (save her inactive twin sister, Betty). We met while we both served missions in Japan, which is her cultural heritage. With so many of our loved ones not being LDS, we’ve studied the gospel and questioned the Lord passionately to know how ALL of His children are given a fair opportunity at salvation, eternal life, and exaltation.

 .

For 30 years I believed it required people join the LDS church, if not in this life, then in the spirit realm (proxy temple work). The scriptures, however, don’t support that teaching, especially when we understand how the Lord defines “[His] church”. For example: in D&C 10: 67-68 the Lord said: “Behold, this is my doctrine – whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church. Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church.” Another scripture explains that ALL persons qualify as members of the Lord’s church: 2^nd Nephi 26: 33 “For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them ALL to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and ALL are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.” (emphasis mine)

I’ve concluded the correct definition of “church” is an assembly of believers, not an institution focused on correlated teachings and worship, callings (church jobs) and meetings, a lot of performance measuring programs, and layers of leadership. The scriptures indicate that WE are the church. It doesn’t matter if WE are heathens or persons raised with passionate religious beliefs and activity. If you've attended an LDS worship service in a small branch in in foreign country, you might agree that it doesn’t really matter how WE worship, just that WE repent and come unto the Lord. I have faith the Lord is providing a way for ALL his children to find Him in this life, especially when an individual recognizes the need to change their behavior (repent) and seek after the giver of truth (the Lord), then follow His example (baptism - ref. 2 Nephi 31: 13-21). Consider watching this video of our Chinese brothers and sisters (who comprise 1/5th of the worlds population) learning their religions (Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism) originate from the same God as the Hebrews. 

Again, since God is no respector of persons, and since we LDS believe the following: (ref. D&C 130: 20-21 "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated - And when WE obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.";  it should come as no surprise that people living good principles of Confucius, Buddha, or Muhammad are obeying many of Gods laws and will be blessed for doing so. (emphasis mine)

Here's how Joseph Smith explained it:

“But while one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard; He views them as His offspring, and without any of those contracted feelings that influence the children of men, causes “His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” He holds the reins of judgment in His hands; He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, not according to the narrow, contracted notions of men, but, “according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or evil,” or whether these deeds were done in England, America, Spain, Turkey, or India. He will judge them, “not according to what they have not, but according to what they have,” those who have lived without law, will be judged without law, and those who have a law, will be judged by that law. We need not doubt the wisdom and intelligence of the Great Jehovah; He will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several deserts, their means of obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, the facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information, and His inscrutable designs in relation to the human family; and when the designs of God shall be made manifest, and the curtain of futurity be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess that the Judge of all the earth has done right.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 218)

The Book of Mormon's primary purpose is to teach the Doctrine of Christ, which is so simple a child can understand it (ref. 3 Nephi 11: 31-41)

31 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.

32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.

35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.

41 Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth. (Also read all of 2 Nephi chapter 31). 

So, am I saying it doesn’t matter whether or not a person regularly attends a church? I say if a “church" is comprised of WE, then people should gather together to share their thoughts and impressions, teach from the scriptures, care for each other and bear one another’s burdens. Isn't that why Alma organized 7 churches in Zarahemla? The Sermon on the Mount, King Benjamin’s Sermon in the first six chapters of the Book of Mosiah, and the Sermon at Bountiful are the best examples I can think of to guide any "church" (a/k/a group of believers). How blessed this world will be if the pure in heart discover and live the teachings given by the Lord in the Bible and Book of Mormon.

So, if I believe in the message of the Book of Mormon, why am I not attending the church that owns the copyright? Because I am mourning that the message of the Book of Mormon is not understood or is taken lightly by we “Mormons”. When we don't understand its message, the adversary can easily deceive us into believing our wealth and prosperity corresponds with the Lord’s expression of favor for us, and so we believe all is well in Zion. (ref. 2^nd Nephi 28: 21 “And others will he pacify and lull them into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well – and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.”). What a timeless ruse used so effectively to deceive "even the elect" people of God.

In Mormon 8: 35-41, the Lord showed Moroni that the latter-day people in possession of the Book of Mormon teachings would also be in a state of pride and wickedness. (ref. Mormon 8: 36 “… and your churches, yea even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.”).

Does the teaching “Follow the Prophet and you won’t be lead astray” exist in the standard works? Sure they say … in Official Declaration One! Well, I cannot find that teaching in the standard works (in fact, I find the opposite warning in 2nd Nephi 4: 34 "Oh Lord, I have trusted in Thee and I will trust in Thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh, for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in flesh, yea cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm. And also in 2nd Nephi 28: 31 "Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.")
It appears to me we are to check everything said over the pulpit by witness of the Holy Ghost (ie. prayer) - not blindly follow a man though his title is Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. Also, in 1 Kings 13 , the Lord tested one Prophet by sending another Prophet to lead the first one astray (sad ending). 

I’ve decided I’m not going to pin my salvation on Official Declaration One, instead, I've accepted the Lord’s personal invitation to trust and follow Him. (ref. D&C 93: 1 "Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am."). I sustain "the Brethren" with my prayers and confidence; but the Lord, after all, bought and paid for each of us sinners in Gethsemane and Calvary. (ref. 2^nd Nephi 9: 41 “O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.”). (emphasis mine)

When the Book of Mormon was compiled for publication, Joseph Smith had said it "was the most correct of any book on earth". He placed in its Title Page the statement that it “… comes forth in due time by way of the Gentiles”. Somewhere along the way, we Mormons no longer identify ourselves as “Gentiles”, making it easy to miss the Lords clear warning to THE ONLY LATTER-DAY CHURCH IN POSSESSION OF "THE FULLNESS". (ref. 3^rd Nephi 16: 10-11 “And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priescrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations, and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fullness of my gospel from among them. And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them.”) (emphasis mine)
If you disagree with my interpretation of this scripture, I would be happy to discuss it further.

I hope I don’t sound bitter, no one has offended me, I despise no one, in fact, I miss interacting with you and others weekly and receiving a warm greeting from you in our comings and goings in daily life. I simply can’t hide my grief and mourning anymore behind a cheerful smile and glad handshake. In my own way, I’ve left the 99 and gone after the 1. Outside of my immediate family, I socialize with two families in our neighborhood who are labeled “inactive members”. They are very spiritual and humble people and it is my privilege to keep company with them. I suppose “inactive member” is an accurate label for me now. The label, however, has not impaired my status with the Lord. I know Him better than I ever have; He walks with me daily and helps keep my path straight. There is no substitute for a personal relationship with Him. I owe much of my improved relationship with my Lord to studying and applying the Lectures On Faith, which were the "Doctrine" part of the Doctrine and Covenants from 1835 until 1921, and quoted frequently in Bruce R. McConkie's "Mormon Doctrine".

If it matters to you to talk further, come on over. Either way, I pray God’s blessings upon you and yours and am happy to serve you if you give me the opportunity.

Most sincerely,

Roy Moore