I completed the challenge to read the Covenant of Christ, A Modern English Version of the Book of Mormon. I was able to carve out four blocks of four hours each over the last few weekends. In my first session I read the first 116 pages up to Mosiah chapter one. The second weekend I […]
Challenge Completed – Covenant of Christ Read Read More »
First Impressions of a Familiar Book No, the 116 lost pages have not been found. That just happens to be how far I have read in the new Modern English version of the Book of Mormon, now given the title “Covenant of Christ” by the Lord. It also happens to coincide with Mosiah chapter one,
First 116 Pages of Modern English Book of Mormon Read More »
Amazon Came Though Even With the Holiday When I placed the order last Saturday, the delivery date showed it would arrive this Saturday (today). During the week, I received an email from Amazon advising me the delivery would be delayed until Sunday, probably because of the holiday. Surprise, it arrived on time. I was delighted.
Modern English Version of the Book of Mormon Received Read More »
I have been enjoying the Top of the Mountains conference for the past few days, delighted that somebody arranged for streaming video of the speakers. On the conference page, it clearly states that Wi-Fi is not available at the site (and a beautiful site it is), so having the sessions available to view from the
Well That Was A Surprise – Modern English Version of the Book of Mormon Read More »
Recently, Carol was assigned new ministering brothers. For those who aren’t familiar with the change in nomenclature, that would be home teachers. I was pleased to learn she was assigned a couple in our ward we greatly admire, who previously served as the President and Matron of the Los Angeles temple. We have been in
As I Have Loved You Read More »
I was assigned by my bishop to study and report on Anti-Christs in the Book of Mormon. This post is the result of that study and much prayer.
Anti-Christs in the Book of Mormon Read More »
The LDS Church currently teaches they have the fulness of the temple ordinances and all that God intended to reveal on the subject. Again, I totally disagree. The LDS Church did not previously believe or teach they had the fulness of the temple teachings. That is a recent claim and is simply not true.
I am the True Vine Read More »
I did not leave Mormonism. I resigned my membership in the LDS Church. Given the current emphasis by the LDS President on removing the word “Mormon” from the vernacular, I would say the LDS Church has left Mormonism.
Why I Decided to Leave Mormonism Read More »
…this is a blatant attempt of this secret combination to destroy our nation and all about it that is good. They seek to destroy our past, the first step in revolution. The secret combination can be found in the groups that support this murderous movement.
Secret Combinations Among Us Read More »
Intellectually, I understand the idea behind the current restriction on singing in church, even though I disagree with the need.
We Miss Singing in Church Read More »
Joseph Smith said that the Book of Mormon was the “most correct book” of any book on Earth. This is because it was not translated by man. It was translated by God. He is the author of the book. He gave the words to Joseph through the Urim & Thummim, the seerstone and later by direct revelation as Joseph’s gifts were developed. The Book of Mormon did not get translated from reformed Egyptian into English. It was given by revelation from the Lord. At times, Joseph did not even look at the plates to translate.
The Most Correct Book Read More »
I’ve watched blogs come and go, especially Mormon or LDS-themed blogs. I have a list of sites I read regularly, with almost all of them related in some way to the Mormon restoration movement. I hope this one stays. Based on my dialog with the author, I have a feeling this blog will be worth watching. I have added it to my blog roll.
Gramarye and Come Follow Me Read More »
The Book of Mormon gave Joseph directions on how to deal with the plates. He delivered them to the angel. Then the angel showed them to the Three Witnesses. Subsequently, Joseph had them in his possession and he showed them to the Eight Witnesses.
Mauricio Berger and the Sealed Book of Mormon Read More »
I accepted a covenant the Lord offered in September of 2017. I rejoiced on that day and continue to marvel that we have been offered this covenant opportunity. Even the people of Joseph’s day were not offered and therefore did not receive this covenant. In fact, they were condemned and rejected by the Lord because they treated lightly the Book of Mormon, which God always intended to offer as a covenant to His people.
A Time of Reflection, Part Five Read More »
There will always be those who outright reject the idea of scripture needing to be restored to be as true to the original revelations as possible. To them, there simply is no need for it.
A Time of Reflection, Part Three Read More »
I was astonished when I read that the long-promised Testimony of St John had been revealed and shared for our edification. That is, if you believe the Lord, through Joseph, in section 93 was referring to the testimony of John the Beloved and not John the Baptist.
A Time of Reflection, Part Two Read More »
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. (Micah 5:8) Then shall ye,
If He Goeth Through… Read More »
I received an email from a reader (thank you Cecil) and decided to share some of the response here on my blog. I don’t pretend to be anybody important, just someone who wrote an LDS-themed blog for a few years and ended up resigning my membership in the LDS Church. I did so because I wanted
Waiting Patiently Upon the Lord Read More »
I don’t live in Utah so I’m not used to hearing stories like this: My niece married later in life, and now has two lovely stepdaughters. Someone among the friends of the girls was having a birthday party but these two girls were not invited even though they play with the same group of girls
Setting Up The Targets Read More »
November 2015 may go down in history as the great Mormon exodus. It’s quite the zeitgeist and we can still feel it. Last weekend’s decision about the children of homosexuals was something of a watershed in LDS culture. Usually when controversial decisions are made by the Brethren, mainstream, active Latter-day Saints come to rescue of the
Suffer the Little Children . . . Read More »
Q: How has your perception of Latter-day Commentary changed since its inception? In many respects, the direction of this simple blog has turned completely around. When I started blogging almost eight years ago, my intent was to help combat what I perceived to be a plethora of misinformation out there about the doctrines I knew
Q & A with Tim Malone, Author of Latter-day Commentary Read More »
We Must Remember the Restoration Each day I receive additional evidence members and leaders of the LDS Church have forgotten what was once commonly taught at the commencement of the restoration through Joseph Smith. For example, today I received an email from a man who shared his highest aspiration is to have his calling and
The Snuffer Interview – Part Two Read More »
First of all, YOU determine your mission in life. Nobody else can do it for you. YOU decide what you want to do with your life. YOU decide what it is that God would like you to do with your life. If you feel God would like you to be a faithful member of The
Determining Your Mission in Life Read More »
Nearly forty years ago I spent six months preparing to serve a mission for the LDS Church. I had graduated from High School, attended Ricks College for a year, worked for six months and was now engaged in extensive preparations to understand the doctrines of Mormonism I would soon be teaching. I was blessed with
Speaking With The Lord About Joseph Read More »
Note from Tim: This is a guest post from a long-time investigator of Mormonism. He and I have been conversing about having prayers answered. He had so many good questions on the subject I suggested he write them up for general discussion on the blog. He agreed. I hope you will be kind and consider
Investigating Mormonism Today Read More »
I normally don’t share private email dialogs. They should remain private unless the Lord tells me otherwise. This is one of those cases where the Lord has asked me to share this publicly. The individual involved should not be reading my blog anyway. I had a missionary write me to ask if he should stay
Serving Where the Lord Calls You Read More »
To My Long-Time Friends and Associates We have a lot in common. We have spent years worshiping together and providing service in the church. We have served in Bishoprics, on High Councils, in High Priest groups, as teachers in the Primary and in a multitude of other callings over the years. We have taught seminary
The Doctrine of Additional Prophets Read More »
When I was much younger, I was fascinated with the administration of the church. My sister works for the church. She is secretary to an Apostle. That means nothing, really. I only mention it to bring some context to what I am about to write. I love my sister and am proud of her accomplishments. I know
Church Administration versus Ministering Read More »
“Halt, who goes there?” I stopped cold in my tracks. The voice spoke again, this time with a bit more gruffness, “Identify yourself, or I will let loose this arrow that is ready to fly into your heart.” “My…” “Speak up,” the voice commanded. “My name is Tim,” I almost shouted. “What a strange name.
Conversation with an Indian Read More »
One of my readers, Steve, asked, “I wondered what you would do if your stake president told you to quit blogging about Denver or you would be exed.” This is a fictional account, based on that very possible what-if scenario that could happen: What if members were called to account for themselves in regards to
My Defense Before the High Council Read More »
I just discovered the scan icon on my Goodreads iPhone app. What I thought would be a totally manual process of entering my 2,000+ library of books into Goodreads has now turned into a manageable project. I just scanned a dozen and entered them in about ten minutes. You can even scan a whole bunch
Our Libraries Get in our Way Read More »
Samuel the Lamanite visited the Nephite people just a few years before the birth and death of the Savior. Because they rejected him, he stood with courage upon the wall of their capital city and declared things the Lord put into his heart and mind. I recently had the opportunity to teach the gospel doctrine
Ten Signs of the Second Coming Read More »
Lives of Great Religious Books, Princeton University Press March 2012, 280 pages, $24.95, small size – 4 ½ W by 7 ½ H ISBN: 9780691144801, includes 23 halftone B/W photos ISBN for the eBook (same price): 9781400841615 Paul C. Gutjahr, Professor of English, Indiana University Introduction This is a book about a book. That’s not
The Book of Mormon, A Biography Read More »
Richard Bushman is a highly respected historian who probably understands the beginnings of Mormonism as well as or better than anyone else. Besides being the co-general editor of the Joseph Smith Papers, he chairs the board of directors of the Mormon Scholars Foundation. He knows early church history.
An Evening with Richard Bushman Read More »
One of the ways to share the gospel online is to create a profile on Mormon.org and the answer the personal questions found there about how you live the gospel.
My Interview with Mormon.org Read More »
The ordinances introduce us but the endowment is not complete until we have come into the heavenly presence and have been instructed in the things of eternity.
The endowment is more than the ordinances Read More »
One of the delightful parts of a stake temple night is the opportunity to be taught by a member of the temple presidency. I once asked my stake president about divine manifastations in the temple.
Divine manifestations must have a purpose Read More »
In 1978, civil war broke out in Nicaragua, just after I left the country. My Mission President went from Costa Rica to Managua to help the missionaries get out of the country. As he was literally leaving the chapel where he had told the missionaries to gather, the Sandinistas came running in from the other door
Shades of Grey and relative truth Read More »
In the priesthood session of the April 2003 General Conference, President Hinckley delivered a landmark address on the subject of loyalty. In his remarks he said, “Each of us has to face the truth of the matter—either the church is true, or it is a fraud. There is no middle ground. It is the Church
There is no middle ground Read More »
You’ve been active and faithful in the church all your life and have a deep and abiding testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You have enjoyed success and found great joy in helping others come to a knowledge of the Lord through your missionary labors. You’re proven to be a gifted administrator in
General Authority training – advanced subjects Read More »
I have been listening again to John Dehlin’s interviews with Richard Bushman on my iPod on the days that I travel to the office. Thanks again John, for bringing the archives back. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: those podcasts are now an invaluable part of history. I’ve enjoyed each one and
Smoothing down that Rough Stone Rolling Read More »
Another common objection I have encountered in my dialogs with some who visit my essays can be summed up in the phrase, “But that’s not Biblical!” Similar to those who don’t understand what Mormons mean when we refer to our testimony, this common complaint also never ceases to amaze me. They just don’t get it.
But that’s not Biblical! Read More »
I’m motivated to share this essay based on much recent dialog between myself and a reader who calls himself Evangelical. Mr. Evangelical seems to be intelligent and writes well but also seems to be under a false impression that Mormons can’t think for themselves and that they don’t know how to think critically or objectively.
Critical thinking among faithful Mormons Read More »
So many people have written about this subject that yet another post hardly seems necessary. I have written about the Book of Mormon at least five times previously, but have not addressed the issue that seems to bother some about the changes to The Book of Mormon. I can understand if this is not an
Changes to the Book of Mormon Read More »
From the Mormon.org page on The Book of Mormon, we read, “By the power of God, Joseph Smith translated this book from an ancient record written on gold plates. In September 1827, Joseph received the record, which was written on thin plates of gold. Joseph translated the book into English by the inspiration of God
Seer stone in a hat – Book of Mormon translation Read More »
Objection three out of six raised by anonymous is that Mormons can’t be Christian because we believe that Christ visited America as a resurrected being. That argument is weak. If anything, it proves that we are greater followers of Christ because we have an additional witness of His gospel. Perhaps his objection really was that
The Book of Mormon brings us closer to Christ Read More »
Growing up in the church I often heard members say that they did not understand Isaiah. I’m not sure if they were just repeating what they had heard others say or if they really felt this way. In fact, I recall a gospel doctrine instructor who started a lesson on Isaiah by expressing that same
If I could only get through those Isaiah chapters! Read More »
As we read through the Book of Mormon again this year, I am enjoying my visits to Nephi’s chapters on his vision of the future of America. It brings back memories of reading them with my family when I was little, then reading them in Seminary, on my mission, in Institute classes, teaching Seminary and
The power of God descended upon the saints Read More »
From this morning’s scripture reading: “And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost.” 1 Nephi 12:17 I see three things in this verse caused by the
Three effects of the mists of darkness Read More »