God loves homosexuals, but he also loves racists

"Hate the sin but love the sinner."

This phrase seems to be increasing in popularity.  Nowhere is it more popular than in debates about homosexuality.  The phrase is among the more tame used to tell those that believe homosexuality is sinful that they should be more accepting of its practitioners.  In less tame debates, those that condemn the practice are called "homophobic," "bigoted," "hateful," or some other unsavory name.

In more civil conversations, those that are more defensive of the homosexual position will use the "hate the sin but love the sinner" phrase persuasively.  Particularly when they themselves are Christian and they seem to apply this principal in practice.  Those that do not believe in God or in the concept of sin are far less persuasive.

The phrase is typically used to convey a sense of understanding.  Those that defend homosexuality imply that they are aware of the concerns of those that view it as sinful.  Those that argue against homosexuality are in a difficult situation when the phrase is used because it is true that God hates sins, but loves those that commit them. Jesus Christ himself was not afraid to mingle with those that had gone astray, although it brought disdain from the Pharisees and others of his contemporaries.  To reject this argument would be to reject Christ.

The problem with this phrase is credibility.  It is not difficult to tell people that they should be more accepting of a group you have already accepted.  It is currently politically correct and in many circles socially acceptable to practice homosexual behavior.  Defending a popular and politically correct point of view does not make those of us who embrace a more traditional view think that we are understood.

Exactly how do you hate the sin but love the sinner?  Is not practicing it oneself enough?  Is speaking out against the sin appropriate?  If so, how does one speak out against a sin in a loving manner?  How can a person express love toward an individual that embraces or perhaps even identifies themselves by their practice of something abhorrent?

Rather than tackle the homosexuality debate, I would like to discuss the difficulty of the "hate the sin but love the sinner" phrase by applying it do something that is not politically correct or popular: racism.

God hates racism, but loves racists.  By extension, you should hate racism, but love racists.

Racism is perhaps the most politically incorrect ideal that a person can have.  In fact, by writing this post, I have probably precluded myself from a political career.  That having been said, I have known racist people that I would consider to be good people, certainly as much as those defending homosexuality can think of examples of good people that are gay.

I also believe that racism is a label that is frequently assigned to ideas that are not actually racist.  Racism is not synonymous with prejudice.  I have a bit of experience with this.

In high school, I was a scrawny-built geeky kid.  As such, I occasionally feared that I would be victimized by bullying.  I recall spending extra time to avoid areas where I knew certain Hispanic students gathered.  It was not the fact they were Hispanic that bothered me, it was the culture of particular groups that seemed to embrace brawling that was distasteful.  I also avoided the Caucasian jock culture or the Caucasian punk-rocker culture that seemed to embrace similar practices.

I definitely pre-judged these groups.  It is possible that the members of these cultures in high school might have treated me with respect and dignity in spite of my social ineptitudes and lanky build, but I was afraid to take that chance.  My prejudice was not based on race, it was based on culture.  In fact, I had friends that were Hispanic, black, and Asian with whom I got along well.  They were typically the less popular and more studious types to whom I could better relate, and by whom I felt less threatened.

True racism is a prejudice based on no other characteristic other than race.

During my high school years in southern California, a controversial proposition appeared on the state ballot that dealt with preventing illegal aliens from obtaining health and education benefits.  There were a large number of Hispanics that came to school with their faces painted or wearing shirts that had the no symbol over the proposition number, 187.  Many of them decried the measure as racist.  Rumors spread even to less social circles such as my own that there would be an attempt by those in opposition to the measure to walk out of school.  During my PE class, I recall seeing a series of automobiles drive past the school brandishing large Mexican flags and shouting at us.  Since I did not speak Spanish, I did not understand many of the things that were shouted, but I do recall one.  I was standing next to a black boy and several Hispanics when I heard a passenger in one of these cars shout "F___ you white boy!  F___ you n_____!  Viva Mexico!!" 

I found it ironic that they were out protesting a measure they considered racist, but had no problems judging myself or using the n-word to refer to the black boy in my class.  That having been said, it was not difficult for me to dismiss this behavior.  While I knew such racism was wrong, I did not feel compelled to shout back a suggestion that they not yell demeaning slurs regarding the race of others.  Perhaps because I was afraid that such action would subject me to some retaliation after school, and perhaps I believed that the measure would likely fail anyway.  In the end, proposition 187 passed, but was later declared unconstitutional.  The very next year in high school, most students had forgotten about it life returned to normal.

I recall another instance of racially motivated violence at my high school between a black boy and a Hispanic boy.  There were many expletives and slurs used before the two brawled, but the tamer among them involved the black boy telling the Hispanic boy to "go back to his country" and the Hispanic boy replying that the black boy should "go back to Africa."  I did not have any desire to interfere in the conflict.

While the behavior in the previous examples is genuinely racist, the more socially detestable forms of racism are those that are held by whites against minorities.  I know of individuals that have harbored such feelings.

I recall a conversation with an individual that believed he had been robbed by a group of Hispanics.  The one experience had caused him to view all Hispanics as thieves.  He told me that he did not want to be racist, but that they "made" him racist.  Even though I was young at the time, I knew that it was probably an unfair generalization to make.  I was certain that my Hispanic friends did not participate in theft, and seemed to be good religious people.  I also knew the man that confessed his racist feelings to me was also a good man that selflessly helped others.  Should I have shouted "racist" at the top of my lungs and never spoken to him again?  Should I have tried to quote the Book of Mormon where it says "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"? (2 Nephi 26:33)  I did nothing.

Outside my rather mild anecdotal sources, there are more serious accounts of racism.  There exist people that believe crimes against certain people are justifiable because of their race.  There are those who do not wish to have others in their neighborhood because of their ethnicity.  There are those that ridicule, humiliate, and abuse others for no reason but their skin color.

It is easy and politically correct to see the harm that can exist when race becomes a criteria for judging someone.  That having been said, I believe that God loves racists.  God loves people that do awful things.  God cares about the well being of those that abuse others.  God truly hates the sin, but loves the sinner.  With respect to a sin that is nearly universally despised, who will stand up and tell people that they ought to love racists?  Who will tell people that decry racism that they should be more loving and kind toward the KKK or neo-Nazis?

What about the people that have racist beliefs that feel they cannot help it?  What about the people that feel others made them racist?  You and I may believe it is a choice, but perhaps those that have racist feelings genuinely do not.  It could even be argued that racism is a naturally occurring feeling that has existed in many civilizations throughout recorded history, just as there are those that make claims about the natural existence of homosexuality.

In the end, these arguments do not matter, because racism is wrong.  Modern prophets have been clear regarding the position of Mormons and racism: "The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church. Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children." (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/race-church)

The ultimate question is how to hate the sin but love the sinner.  The type of sin is not important to this principal.

Are those that stand up in defense of homosexuality in the name of loving the sinner as eager to stand and defend those that commit sins they recognize as wrong?  Or are those that oppose homosexuality really being asked to hate the sin but love the sinner as long as the sin is trendy and/or politically correct? 

If you do not believe that racism is a sin, then substitute racism for some other practice that you believe is sinful.  How do you show Christian love and fellowship to someone while simultaneously denouncing the sins they embrace?

There is no perfect answer to the question.  Even God uses different approaches with different people.  Consider the following:

• To Ninevah, God sent Jonah saying that within forty days the city would be overthrown (Jonah 3:4)
• To Jerusalem in the days of Zedekiah, God sent Lehi to tell them they would be destroyed (1 Nephi 1:13, 18-20)
• To the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (1 Corinthians 2:9)
• To the seven churches of Asia, the Apostle John wrote "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (Revelation 3:21)
• To the people of Israel, Isaiah wrote "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
• To the people of Israel, Isaiah also wrote "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." (Isaiah 57:20-21)
• When his Apostle Peter tried to tell Christ he would not be killed, Jesus rebuked him saying "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (Matthew 16:23)
• When a sinful woman came and worshipped him, Christ forgave her in spite of the disaproval of the Pharisee in whose house he was saying "Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." (Luke 7:38)

Essentially the scriptures are filled with examples where God promises hellfire and damnation to the wicked, and peace and eternal life to the righteous.  He condemns and threatens some people for indulging in abominations, and pleads with others to accept his love and grace.  The constants in all these situations are his hatred for sin and his love for those guilty of it. 

Perhaps there are cases when people ought to condemn that which is wrong boldly.  Perhaps there are other cases when avoiding conflict is preferable.  The constants however must be maintained. 

In no case are we to begin hating the sinner.  God said "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (D&C 64:10)  He also said "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

In no case are we to begin loving the sin.  Alma taught "for the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance." (Alma 45:16)  Jesus himself said "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)

In the end, there was only one who did not have a problem with loving sin and hating sinners.  Everyone else can benefit from the advise to hate the sin and love the sinner.

God Actually Has Given Us the Spirit of Fear

I have heard and read in several places recently a suggestion or pet-peeve of many Christians both within and without the LDS church regarding the fear of God.  Almost every time I have heard "fear of God" or "God-fearing" or some other similar phrase, it has been accompanied by a recommendation of avoidance.  Frequently it is also used in connection with a passage in the New Testament: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

When I sit down and try to think of the last time I have actually heard the phrase sincerely used by anyone other than myself, I am unable to recollect any examples in the past ten years.  I have not heard people compliment the piety of others by describing them as God-fearing except as examples of 'what not to say' in lessons.  I do not recall an instructor or speaker recommending that their audience ought to fear God, excepting that the immediately clarify and say they mean to 'respect' God.

Perhaps my experience is not completely representative, but it seems that a lot of effort is expended in getting people to avoid a phrase that no one uses.

The ironic element of the fear of the fear of God is that it is partly based on a misunderstanding of the passage in 2 Timothy.  Paul continues in verse 8: "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God." (2 Timothy 1:8)   Paul was talking about the fear of affliction in the passage, or feeling shame because of Christ; he was not at all talking about the fear of God.

People have used the passage 2 Timothy to discourage discussion of topics that might lead us to believe that God might ever do something besides make people feel warm and fuzzy.  While it is true that the emphasis of prophets and apostles in the LDS church seems to highlight the love, mercy, and forgiveness of God, ignoring the wrath and power of God leaves Christians lacking context and understanding.

Implying that ideas that might provoke fear are never from God leaves Christians with a consistency and credibility problem.  Under the assumption that anything that inspires fear must not be from God, consider the following conclusions:

• Noah's ark is not true since God would never threaten to destroy all but eight human beings (Genesis 6-7)
• The ten plagues with which God cursed Egypt must not have been real, since God would never threaten his children (Exodus 7-12)
• Elijah was not a real prophet since he took people of another religion to a river and slaughtered them (1 Kings 18:40)
• Jeremiah was not a real prophet of God, since he threatened the people of God with utter destruction (Jeremiah 16:1-15)
• Zephaniah (and almost all of the other minor prophets in the Old Testament) were not real prophets because they foretold God sending great destruction and death (Zephaniah 1:14-18)
• Jesus was probably just kidding about the signs of destruction and sorrow that would appear before his second coming (Matthew 24)
• Paul was probably just kidding when he foretold the wrath of God and the times of peril that would appear in the last days (2 Thessalonians 1-2)
• John was using artistic symbolism when he described the son of God returning in glory and slaying all the wicked (Revelation 19)
• Lehi in the Book of Mormon was definitely not a prophet because he told the people of Jerusalem that if they did not repent, they would be destroyed (1 Nephi 1)
• When King Benjamin was just a fear-monger because he embellished the punishments that God places on the wicked to manipulate his people (Mosiah 2:37-39)
• Captain Moroni was an unholy angry man, because God would never threaten to kill people (Alma 44)
• When Jesus said that the gates of hell stand open to receive those that do not accept his doctrine, he probably meant the gates of a bureau of guidance counsellors that will lovingly help people understand what is right since he is God and God is love (3 Nephi 11:38-40)
• The Book of Ether was probably just made up since it depicts God using wars to wipe people off of his promised land, which a loving God would never do (Ether 15)
• Joseph Smith was probably just having a bad day when he had the revelation on marriage recorded.  After all, God wouldn't actually say "For whatsoever things remain are by me; and whatsoever things are not by me shall be shaken and destroyed." (D&C 132:14)

Obviously all of these conclusions are incorrect.

For those that are surprised that God uses fear, threats, and destruction to accomplish his purposes, know that you are not alone.  Even prophets of God have experienced similar shock.  Consider the burden of Habakkuk in the Old Testament.  When he learned that God was using the wicked Chaldeans to destroy Israel, he was shocked that God might use something he felt was evil.  (Habakkuk 1)

I believe that many people have become too cavalier in their view of God, or in assessing their relationship to him.  Some of my own pet peeves include the following (commentary not italicized):

• Jesus is my elder brother - The concept may be true.  He is the Son of God, and we are children of God, ergo he is our elder brother... but that relationship really does not earn any points.  After all, his 'brothers' mocked him, spit on him, beat him, betrayed him, and murdered him.  Jesus declared that "whosever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother." (Mark 3:35)  In claiming brotherhood with Christ, is it the intention of an individual to announce "I'm doing the will of God!"  Maybe they are, but it seems arrogant.
• God is love - The famous scripture in 1 John 4:8 was not given to say that God is a human emotion, it was given to teach people that we ought to show love and kindness for one another.  Do not be fooled into reducing God into an emotion.  He is a person.  While Jesus Christ truly showed love, he was not afraid to identify and condemn hypocrisy, sin, and irreverence.  Perhaps it was love of his father and the Temple that motivated him to make a whip and drive the thieves and money changers out, but it is obvious that God is more complicated than a single human emotion.
• The spirit makes me feel happy - This could also be God makes me feel happy or some other phrase that ties God to happiness.  Unless you worship Prozac, God is not depression medication.  You don't 'take God' and then 'feel better.'  Does this mean that a person who is not feeling happy must not have the spirit or must not be close to God?  Or could it mean that God isn't doing his job, which is apparently to make you happy.  This again seems arrogant.
• Jesus Christ is my personal savior - I've already addressed my dislike of the overuse of the term 'savior'.  The addition of the terms 'my personal' makes this even more annoying because it implies ownership.  While most people that use it probably do not intend to claim that they 'own' Jesus, I would try very hard to make sure I was not implying any entitlement to the power produced in the infinite and incomprehensible sacrifice of Christ.  If Jesus feels like I have truly accepted him, he will at his own discretion and judgement offer forgiveness for my sins.
• When I pray, I talk to God like he is my friend - That's right up their with claiming Jesus is your brother.  Maybe other people are better than I am, but I do not want to claim to be chums with God.  I don't envision approaching his throne and offering a fist-bump.  I am not expecting him to offer me a cold beverage and talk about old times.  I expect to be on my knees... and my head will probably be lowered.  Maybe that's old fashioned, but that's how I would approach a being that is all-powerful, and knows every weakness I have and every mistake I have made.  We ought to think of God less like a chum or a pal and more like... a God.

Fear of God is a good thing.  As Proverbs says, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Proverbs 9:10)  Fear does not just mean respect, it means humility; it means understanding that God has all power.  We do not inherently have a right to salvation... he offers it conditionally.  The poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, the pure in heart... these are they who shall find the kingdom of God. (Matthew 5:1-12)

Fear in the sense of humility is what Jesus taught when he told the following parable:

"And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;  And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.  For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:7-11)

 God actually has given us the spirit of fear.  He wants us to be worried about our thoughts, our words, and our deeds.  (Mosiah 4:30)  He has made no secret of his intention to annihilate the wicked when he returns. (D&C 45:47-50)  He has openly declared that he will reign over the earth.  (Revelation 19:11-16)  He is also clear that we ought not feel secure about our current position.  (2 Nephi 28:21)  The facts imply that we should be a bit fearful.

What he does not want is a paralyzing fear that makes people want to avoid him.  This is where the emphasis of modern prophets and apostles becomes important.  An understanding that he could wipe us all out should add something to the fact his prophets are pleading with us to "be a little better." (http://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/09/the-quest-for-excellence?lang=eng) 

Ultimately, the context of fear and humility gives power to everything else we receive from him.  When we fear him, his love means more.  When prophets beg us to repent, it represents not just a good life strategy, but the request of the Most High God that we accept the very thing for which we should be begging him.

To Hold the Power of God

The Ark of the Covenant was the central and most important piece of worship in the ancient Tabernacle, and subsequently, in the Temple of Israel.  A chest that contained artifacts of wonder such as the tablets Moses received from God containing the ten commandments, a pot of manna, Aaron's rod that budded, it has inspired the faith, fear, and imaginations of many people. (Hebrews 9:4)  Perhaps one of the most famous fictional stories surrounding this relic is the first Indiana Jones film "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Of course Indiana Jones is a fictional work, and much of the entertainment in it came from action scenes fighting Nazis rather than the Ark itself.  Notwithstanding this, a main theme in the film involves a real power that appears to surround and protect the Ark.  The idea that there exist powers beyond human comprehension was fundamental to Indiana Jones triumphing over Beloch and his Nazi allies.  It is also worth noting that the power could not be captured or harnessed by the Nazis anymore than it was captured by the Philistines when they captured it from Israel.  (1 Samuel 5)

Though fictional, the principal used for Biblical consistency is both accurate and pertinent to understanding the genuine power of God.

God's power cannot be captured.  It cannot be bought.  Emulating the rites of the priesthood do not produce power any more than Beloch's taped ceremony as he opened the Ark of the Covenant.  Consider the following passage:

"For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:1-6, emphasis added)

Of course, excluding murderous Nazis from accessing the power of God is not likely to raise any concerns.  If there are any special interests that were opposed to Nazis being portrayed as evil, or implying that they were unworthy in God's eyes, I am not aware of them.  It is not only culturally acceptable, it is an understatement to say that individuals who behave as the antagonists in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" should probably not be called to be priests of God.

There are, however, many individuals and groups that have a problem with how Mormons did or do now exclude individuals from obtaining priesthood office. 

Before even beginning to tackle this concern, there are a couple important points of which to be aware about the general nature of the Priesthood in the LDS church.

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does not have a professional clergy. 
• A deacon that faithfully passes the sacrament to the congregation and assists in the collection of funds to help those in need (fast offerings) earns $0.00 for his work.  A Bishop that may spend hours meeting with individuals and families as well as teaching lessons, fulfilling public speaking responsibilities, making financial decisions about the expenditure of funds, and visiting the members of his ward also earns $0.00 for his work.  Having a higher office typically only results in more work.  "Advancement" in the "hierarchy" does not increase salary since there is never any pay.
• Priesthood is not necessarily synonymous with leadership. 
• While it is true that Apostles and Bishops and Teachers may be said to preside over others in different situations, this involves a concept called Priesthood Keys.  This concept was established by Jesus Christ himself.  "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." (Matthew 16:18-19)  The concept of keys of the kingdom represents the authority and responsibility to do as Christ himself would do on behalf of a particular level of church organization.  An Elders Quorum President is authorized to receive guidance and offer direction for the Quorum of Elders over which he presides.  The President of the Church, as the Apostle Peter, has the keys of the entire Kingdom of God on earth.

The issue of exclusion from Priesthood authority is most currently criticized in the exclusion of women.  It is true that women are not called to be priesthood holders, and that women do not obtain priesthood office in the organization of the church.  Currently, only males that meet worthiness requirements are eligible to be called to receive the priesthood.

Those that take issue with this policy fall into two groups: those that are legitimately concerned that women are not as valued as men by the Church and/or God himself, and those that think the church should meet the currently established standards for what is politically correct.  It is sometimes difficult for me, as a male, to determine who falls into what category since the question that is asked by either group is "why can't women hold the priesthood?"

There are many people within and without the church that attempt to answer this question.  I have heard those within the church say that because women are more spiritual, men need the priesthood to become spiritual, or some other well meaning but misguided piece of supposition.  I have heard people without the church speculate about polygamy coming back or other equally ridiculous conspiracy theory.

For those in the group that are eager to criticize an organization that does not seem to be up to date with the current cultural acceptability, I would say "you're asking the wrong question."

For those with legitimate concerns that want to know the truth, I would also say "you're asking the wrong question," but there would be more sympathy in my voice.  At least I would attempt to be less abrasive than I can sometimes seem.

Another criticized exclusion from Priesthood authority revolves around a practice that no longer even exists: the exclusion of males of African descent.  People eagerly label Mormons as racists because of this practice, in spite of the fact that the abolitionist views of many members were among the reasons that the residents of Missouri in the early 1800's wanted Mormons exterminated.  The policy was reversed in 1979.  The extension of the priesthood to all worthy males regardless of race or color is canonized in the Doctrine and Covenants as Official Declaration 2 (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/od/2?lang=eng).

Those that take issue with this former policy fall into two groups: those that are legitimately concerned that the policy existed and/or that the policy which was followed by leaders in the church changed, and those that think the church should meet the currently established standards for what is politically correct.  The question asked by those in both categories is typically "why couldn't blacks hold the priesthood?"

There are numerous individuals within the church that have speculated on the purposes for excluding blacks from priesthood office, but the church's official statement exposes these explanations for what they are: speculation.

"The origins of priesthood availability are not entirely clear. Some explanations with respect to this matter were made in the absence of direct revelation and references to these explanations are sometimes cited in publications. These previous personal statements do not represent Church doctrine." (http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/race-church)

For those in the group that are eager to criticize an organization that does not seem to be up to date with the current cultural acceptability, I would say "you're asking the wrong question."

For those with legitimate concerns that want to know the truth, I would also say "you're asking the wrong question," but again, there would be more sympathy in my voice. 

Looking further back in time, it becomes apparent that restricting access to the Priesthood is not a recent practice in the church of Jesus Christ.

Jesus himself had an experience with a woman from Canaan:
"Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour." (Matthew 15:21-28)

Only after impressive poise, faith, and humility after Jesus had called her a dog did she obtain a special exception for the policy of the day.

King Saul decided to take action when Samuel, the authorized Priest of God did not come when he was expected.  "And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.  And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.  And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.  But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee." (1 Samuel 13:9-14)

Saul acted as a priest and even though he was the King of God's chosen people, he was not of the correct tribe, and did not have authority to offer a sacrifice.  God subsequently rejected him as king.  This policy of exclusion went beyond non-African males, or even people of the House of Israel. 

Going back further, in the days of Moses a man named Korah and several of his friends determined that Moses took too much upon himself to preside.  As a consequence of their rebellion, God caused the earth to open up and swallow Korah and his followers.  Subsequently, God prepared a demonstration to show the people who had Priesthood authority in the house of Israel.  The princes of each tribe wrote their names on rods that they placed before the tabernacle.  The next morning, Aaron's rod miraculously budded, blossomed, and brought forth almonds.  This rod was kept in the Ark of the Covenant itself as a testimony against those who thought they could claim God's power.  (Numbers 16-17)

Even further back, in the days of Israel himself, he and his elder brother Esau were the children of the patriarch Isaac.  Although Abraham had more than one son, Isaac was the son promised him by God.  (Genesis 17:15-16)  This meant the priesthood could not be held by two brothers.  Esau cared nothing for his birthright, and was willing to sell it for a mess of pottage. (Genesis 25:29-34)  Eventually, when Isaac realized that he had bestowed his patriarchal blessing on Jacob instead of Esau, he would not take back what was done. (Genesis 27:37)  Ultimately, it became clear that God had directed Jacob to receive the priesthood power when he extended the Abrahamic covenant to Jacob. (Genesis 28:13-15)

Passing the priesthood between a Father and only one of his Sons appears to have been the original method for accessing the priesthood.  Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, and Shem seem to represent the ancient order of Priesthood patriarchs. (D&C 84:14-16)  When two brothers of the same parents are not both eligible to receive the priesthood, it is difficult to imagine a system that is less exclusive. 

With additional context, important patterns regarding the availability of God's power become visible.  It was once extremely exclusive, and it has gradually moved toward a system of much greater inclusion over time.  Additionally, these changes are not brought about because of the perceived needs or desires of people in any given time.  Saul's acting as a priest was a sin, whereas in latter days, 16 year old boys can be authorized to bless the emblems of Christ's flesh and blood.  Change came when God said it should come: not before, not after.

While there are contemporary pressures that can cause many to question why certain groups appear to be excluded, the context of history provides a vastly more important question: why is God calling so many more priests?

While he may be sensative to the changing needs of societies, God probably is not concerned with the modern standards of politcal correctness.  If he were, then many of the standards of worthiness would have altered to be more inclusive of practices such as homosexuality.  Also, he would not have started including all the sons of Aaron into priesthood offices, but would have continued with the system of passing authority from a father to one of his sons.

Knowing the exact reasons why certain groups have been excluded at various times is not likely to accomplish more than satisfy curiousity.  If percieved inequality is the basis for judging whether God loves a particular individual or a type of individual, then knowing details for why some of his children seem to have so much more than others of his children may even do more harm than good.  What some one else has or lacks has absoultely nothing to do with the fact that God loves you individually. 

Understanding every reason for everything God does or has done is not likely to take place in a single lifetime.  That having been stated, understanding some of the plans God will use to accomplish his goals can provide clarity and priority to revealed truth.  God's plans for the last days are particularly important.

In the book of Daniel, God revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar that in the last days, "shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." (Daniel 2:44)

Mormons are not unique in their assessment that humanity has entered the latter days.  Jesus Christ promised that he would return.  Prophets throughout the Bible have foretold that the messiah would reign, and that the earth would be changed such that even nature would exist in greater harmony than we currently understand. (Isaiah 11)  The book of Revelation is filled with prophecies about the end of the latter days.  John describes angels proclaiming "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)

With his goals and plans in mind, and with the context of an increasing number of priesthood holders throughout time, the importance of why a certain group seems excluded diminishes. 

It does not matter why women are not called to be priesthood holders or why blacks have been generally called and accepted as priesthood holders for a relatively short period of time. 

Speculating, distressing, or arguing about these details is like arguing about how Indiana Jones never actually went into the German submarine before it went to the secret Nazi base.  And to keep with the theme, imagine the argument is taking place in a narrow tunnel, and a giant round stone is rolling down the tunnel toward the people arguing.  Perhaps it would be smarter to stop worring about the details of a movie and get out of danger... (just a thought)

In the end, the boldest and most important truths of Mormonism regarding the priesthood are not about exclusion, they are about inclusion.  Mormons claim that the priesthood found in their church is authority from Jesus Christ himself.  Latter Day Saints claim that a resurrected John the Baptist who was resurrected restored the authority to baptise to the prophet Joseph Smith.  We claim that the subsequent month, Peter, James, and John, the apostles that Jesus Christ personally chose, came and restored the high priesthood.  All priesthood holders in the church trace a line of authority through this... and if these claims are true, then the power to baptise and to bless and to officiate is genuinely power given by Jesus Christ.  And if it is the power of Jesus Christ, then he can pretty much distribute it to whoever he wants for whatever reason he wants... and he will never be wrong.

The claim about priesthood that is vital is that it is the authority to act in the name of God himself.  God is calling more priests because he wants more people to have access to his power, whether that means baptism by an authorized baptist, or receiving a blessing of healing.  Calling more priests means God may be anticipating more people needing help, and he is mercifully making that help a little closer.

Miracles Matter

Miracles seem to be found throughout the scriptures.  Who can forget the stories of the Red Sea dividing, or fire falling from heaven on Elijah's sacrifice?  The healing of Naaman the Syrian and manna that fed the Israelites are also miraculous.

The New Testament is also filled with miracles, particularly those performed by Christ himself.  He healed the blind, the deaf, the lame, and even brought the dead back to life.

The Book of Mormon also contains accounts of miracles.  The Liahona that appeared seemingly from nowhere guided Lehi's family to the land of promise.  The escape of Alma and those that had followed him from bondage only came when their captors miraculously slept soundly one day.  The 2000 young warriors fighting under Helaman helped obtain victory without losing the lives of even one among them.  Of course, Christ himself came and performed miracles as he had during his mortal life in Judea.

Mormons in theory believe that miracles still occur.  In fact the Book of Mormon rhetorically denounces those that claim otherwise by asking "has the day of miracles ceased? Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved? Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain." (Moroni 7:35)

In practice however, there seems to be a trend of devaluing miracles.  In a class I recently attended, there were a number of participants that commented to the effect of declaring that miracles are unimportant.

This is not limited to simply a recent class, I recall hearing many people over the past fifteen years within the Mormon church declare that because spiritual witnesses are superior to the witnessing of miraculous happenings, miracles are nice but unimportant.

It is true that spiritual evidence is of vital importance to Christianity.  It is also true that many people who witnessed amazing miracles seemed unconvinced of the truths of the gospel or the teachings of God's prophets.  Some of the same children of Israel that walked across the Red Sea on dry ground were found a short time later worshipping a golden calf.  The same Kingdom that saw fire fall on Elijah's sacrifice and proclaimed "The LORD, he is the God!" did not take down the idols that were put up by Jeroboam the son of Nebat.  In the Book of Mormon, Laman and Lemuel who were directly told by an angel that they were to return to Jerusalem and obtain the brass plates immediately doubted that they could prevail against Laban.

Given such examples, it is not difficult to understand why Mormons would put a low priority on miraculous happenings.

However understandable the conclusion may be, it is totally incorrect.

If miracles were so ineffective and never made any significant difference, then why are there so many examples of them recorded throughout the scriptures?  Why would Jesus have spent so much time doing things that cannot yield permanent results?

The truth is that miracles can have a profound impact.  Miracles show that God has power to do things that no one else can.  Miracles fuel the hope that in the end, God really will make everything right.

Belittling miracles is belittling the power of God himself.  His acts of power and mercy ought not be marginalized by those that have not seen or recognized miracles ought not assume they are unimportant.

While he may not perform miracles at the whim of every person that wishes to see one, or their purpose may not be to prove himself to those that doubt him, it is wrong to think that they are unimportant.  It is also incorrect to believe they have ceased.  He is capable of doing great things, and he does them regularly even if they are not always visible to everyone.

In the end, God's miracles will be visible to all.  When he comes again, he will remove every disease and infirmity; he will heal every wound and take away every pain.  All those that have died will live again.  All those that have suffered will find relief.  For his greatest miracle, he will save us all... and that is no small feat...

When God approves of stealing, kidnapping, and killing...

Recently and tragically, a man named James Holmes opened fire in a crowded theater during the premiere of the movie "Dark Night Rises."  12 individuals were killed, and 58 others were injured. (Foxnews)

Reaction to this news has been relatively similar among people I know: shock, horror, and the lingering question of what could drive a person to do this.  Everyone to whom I have spoken believes that this was a grossly immoral act.  Many people believe that officials would be right to seek the death penalty in this instance, but others are opposed to this, believing that more killing cannot bring good.

For some, events such as these are faith-shaking.  If God is loving, if he is real, and if he is as powerful as believers claim, then how could such a tragedy be allowed to happen?

There are people that use these events as evidence to support a conclusion that any one of these things is untrue of God.

Those among the Westboro Baptist Church crowd have already posted a video (that I have admittedly not watched) entitled "God Sent The Shooter...Again!"  For people in this group, God is real and powerful, but not loving.

There are those in atheist groups who believe this is evidence that God is not real.

There are those in groups of believers that will conclude that God is not powerful enough to stop this under the guise of "God has to let people make their own choices."  For these people, God is real and loving, but he is apparently unable to stop people that make these tragic choices.

The truth is that all three of these attributes is true of God.  He is real - and he is aware of the events that transpire in every theater and city.  He is loving - he sacrificed his only begotten son to spare us pain.  He has power to prevent and to stop acts of violence or other tragedies - he knows the past, present and future, and he could have made James Holmes have a fatal heart attack prior to him carrying out his awful plan.

For many people of faith, some of the most important truths that require reconciliation are the reality of tragedy and the omniscience and omnipotence of God.

If we operate under the assumption that God is real, all-knowing, and all-powerful, then tragedies force the conclusion that God's goal is not the prevention of tragedy, and that tragedy is not able to prevent his goals from being realized.  The real question then becomes 'what does God want?'

This question must be handled delicately.  Simply because something has occurred does not necessarily mean that God wanted it to occur in that way.  Failure to remember that leads down the path of the Westboro Baptist crowd where the question of 'what does God want?' seems to be answered by 'tragedy.'

God does not want tragedy to befall men, and the life of Jesus Christ himself provides abundant evidence of this:

• Worried about the hunger of those that had come to hear him teach, he fed 5000 people using his power. (Matthew 14:15-21)
• Sympathetic to a lame man who had no one to help him into the pool of Bethesda, the words of Christ gave him the power to walk (John 5:5-9)
• Compassionate to a pair of blind men, Jesus touched their eyes, restoring their sight (Matthew 9:27-31)
• With emotion, Christ raised Lazarus even though he had been dead for days (John 11)

The only conclusion available is that God does not want us to suffer... but more than this, he wants something else.  What that something else is really is an important question which all people should ask themselves, and strive diligently to find an answer.  It is not however the subject of this post.  This post is more about what God does to help us when crimes and tragedies occur.

If God does not want us to suffer tragedy, surely he has provided some mechanism to protect against crime and nurture those in need.  A careful examination will reveal several methods:

• Families: The fundamental unit of society is designed to nurture and provide for people.  Every human being at one point was a child.  When born, humans are incapable of communication except to cry when something seems amiss.  Babies are not able to move on their own, or even hold up their heads properly.  In spite of the weaknesses of young children, there are no fiercer defenders, providers, or instructors than loving parents.  When tragedy strikes, a child has a right to a mother and father that will loyally assist them to the limits of their abilities. (http://www.lds.org/family/proclamation/)  While the assistance of family should not be limited to young children, the importance of family influence is most obvious in these cases.
• The State:  God approves of governmental concepts (not necessarily specific governments). (D&C 134:1)  Governments have the power to help defend citizens, and to prosecute the commission of crimes.  Guilty individuals can and should suffer the consequences of justice according to the law.  The state is treated differently than an individual in God's eyes.  In other words, there are cases when God approves of stealing, kidnapping, and killing.
• While it is wrong for an individual to seize property from another, a government in honestly striving to uphold justice may take property.  It is common sense to attempt to take from a thief what was stolen and to restore it to its proper owner.  For an individual it is stealing; for a government, it might be tax or lawful seizure.
• While it is wrong for an individual to take a person against their will and imprison them,  A society appropriately puts those guilty of several types of crimes in prisons and removes their liberties.  For an individual, it is kidnapping; for a government, it is imprisonment.
• While it is wrong for an individual to kill another except in self defense, a society is able to take convicts and execute them.  This is not the same as a mob, such as the French Revolutionary government that sent people to the guillotine in droves for being aristocrats.  This is a government that is preventing a person that is not capable of being rehabilitated from inflicting any further harm.  Life-long imprisonment for such individuals cannot guarantee against escape, and does little to prohibit the influence of such toxic persons from affecting inmates that are eligible for rehabilitation and will be returned to society.  A person guilty of murder or child abuse is an example of someone that can never be trusted or rehabilitated, even if God may forgive them in the next life.  For an individual, it is murder; for a government, it is capital punishment.
• The Church:  The State cannot make people good, it can only defend against crimes of commission.  Suffering from tragedies may require generosity and kindness, for which there can be no legislation made.  No one should expect to stand before God and expect entrance to his kingdom in exchange for the many government programs that were funded using paycheck deductions.  This is not charity.  Churches and charitable organizations provide real mechanisms of organization for doing good.  The generous giving of alms, the provision of service for those in need, the hand of fellowship and brotherhood: these are ideals that are almost universally promoted by all churches.  The persuasion to do good can and should come from the conscience-stirring influences found in places of worship.

God intends for families, states, and churches to help all men cope with the tragedies that inevitably come.  We are right to feel shock, horror, and doubt when tragedy strikes, but hopefully the resources that God has given will help us ask the right questions, and come to the right conclusions.  God is real.  He is powerful.  He is loving.  In the end, all wrongs will be made right, and no injustice will exist.  In the end, Jesus Christ will reign, and he will truly save us all.  In the meantime, let's hang in there, and help each other out.

Keep hands, feet, and personal experiences to yourself!

While many people fear public speaking, there is one huge advantage over a more interactive teaching approach: the public speaker controls every word.  A person giving a talk or a speech never has to worry about someone raising their hand in the congregation and interjecting unpredictable content.

In Mormon worship services, the first hour is devoted to the observance of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and to the presentation of public speakers on various religious subjects.  The subsequent hours feature a more interactive style of instruction where teachers present material, and frequently invite class members to answer questions or offer comments and insight to complement the main subjects.  While this method can provide value to what might otherwise be a monotonous lecture, there is a risk in audience participation.

There are various offenses that occur when class members contribute:

1. The stupid question - There are some who believe there is no such thing as a stupid question.  They are wrong.  The off topic question may only be a distraction, but it can be much worse.  An instructor teaching about faith is not likely to be able to assist a class member decipher the mysteries of facsimile number 2.

2. Deep doctrine diving - Maybe Adam and Eve had belly buttons.  Maybe women will have hairy legs in heaven.  Maybe the class member that brings up subjects like these should have kept their mouth shut.

3. Redundant, repetitious statements that have already been said - Faith is important, but everyone understood that the first time it was mentioned.  It is OK to say 'never mind' if you had your hand raised and someone else gave your answer.

4. The Filibuster - It is not always easy to be concise, but the class member that takes ten minutes to get to a point can probably shorten their comment.  There may be on the rare occasion a person that is able to present a complicated and well-thought out point that takes some time to explain properly... but when class members are actively comparing their Angry Birds scores on their phones, take a hint and wrap it up.

5. What the? I Don't Even - Albuquerque; snorkel; lasers; tofu; steam rollers; concrete; purple; Sherlock Holmes.  See?  I can do it too!

As bad as all of these things are, perhaps the most annoying crime against humanity that occurs in the classroom is:

6. The personal experience - Perhaps somewhere in the personal experience, there may be a nugget of worth.  Finding it can be similar to finding the good chunk of meat in a slab that is crawling with maggots.  They are always filled with completely unnecessary details.  Here is an example of a hypothetical personal experience that represents the typical (perhaps slightly exaggerated) recitation with commentary in parenthesis:

So I actually have an experience with sharing the gospel.  (Please be short, please be short)
There's this guy I met who is actually from Minnesota...  (Hold the phone!!!  Minnesota!?!  I'm sure that is pertinent to sharing the gospel.)
...and he came here to go to school... (Perhaps you could also tell us about his application process.  What were his SAT scores?  How does the cost of tuition and living compare to those found in Minnesota?)
...and he's actually going to the University of Utah... (Yes, but where does he park his car?  I'm not sure I have enough details here.)
He's majoring in liberal arts... (Because major affects his eligibility for salvation apparently...)
...and he's really athletic, you know kind of a jock type?  Ha ha ha ha!  (I'm sorry, was that supposed to be funny?)
So I started talking to him about two weeks ago.  Well actually it was more like two and a half weeks.  Well, two weeks and three days... (I'm not sure I can appreciate this personal experience unless you tell me what time it was.)
Yeah, we work at the same place doing sales.  So he's really outgoing like me!  (Is he really outgoing?  We don't really know unless you give us his the results of his personality test, his horoscope, and the last three messages he had in his fortune cookies...)
So anyways, he saw me being all righteous, you know... not drinking Dr. Pepper... and he was like, "I want to be like you man, you're always so happy!"  (Yeah... who wouldn't want to be like you?)
So I didn't really think about it for a while, but a few days later I was eating lunch and I ran into him.  I was like "Hey what's up?"  Then we started talking about the weather and his school...  (I wonder if there's something more enlightening on Facebook.  Good thing I have a smart phone!)
And we were talking about how hard it is to go to school and work, and I told him about one way I deal with stress...  you know... drinking Coke and listening to Godsmack or actually hip hop, which is my favorite...  (That is a great tweet!  I'm glad I follow Adam Baldwin on Twitter...)
But the other thing I do to deal with stress is to read the Ensign magazine... because the prophets give me comfort and peace.  I don't mean they make me fall asleep though... Ha ha ha ha ha!! (Unlike your personal experience... I really wish I had a pillow...)
And anyway, it was a good talk, and I felt like I was being a good example to him, and I followed the promptings I received.  (Please be wrapping up, please be wrapping up)
So I haven't talked to him since, so I don't know what he thought about it.  So anyway, I'm still trying to do missionary work by my example... (So the story has almost no point?  Well at least he's done now...)
And so that's an important lesson I learned.  I learned that even in Utah County there are still people that need to learn about the Savior.  I learned that we can be examples everywhere we go.  I learned that... (Are you seriously still going on!?!?!  Unbelievable!!!)
...you've got to have that faith and that example.  You've got to have that spirit of missionary work.  You can't be afraid to open your mouth... (I really wish you would shut your mouth.)
You can make a difference, because you never know when you'll meet someone from Minnesota who needs to hear the gospel.  (As opposed to people from other states who I guess are OK?)
So anyway, I'll keep working with him, and who knows?  Ha ha ha ha! (.............)

All hyperboles aside, it may actually be possible to share a personal experience in a manner that is concise, appropriate, and positive.  This takes a degree of skill that few have achieved.  For the vast majority of class members, the following tips can help prevent you from ruining a lesson:

1. Be concise - Unless you have an accent or otherwise entertaining voice, most people probably do not want to hear the sound of you talking.

2. Stay on topic - Details that you think are important such as schools, occupations, hobbies, carpet colors... they aren't actually important.  Reinforcing universal general principals closely associated with the lesson topic should be the goal of all participants.

3. Think before you speak - In class, look to your left and right.  Realize that there are people there.  Would they be enlightened, uplifted, or edified by what you're thinking of saying?  Does your comment or question provoke thought, provide clarity, or enhance context?  Consider keeping your hand down and your mouth shut if in doubt. (Proverbs 17:28)

Why Mormons Say Their Church Is 'True'

A friend of mine recently described his dislike of a practice among many Mormons: the practice of describing their church as 'true'.  It seems an odd term for describing a church.  It seems equally confusing for describing many other things.  Can a stone be 'true'?  Or perhaps it can only be 'true' if it is a literal stone and not a figurative one?  The term can be confusing.

The most common time when hearing the affirmation "I know this church is true" in an LDS meeting is during a testimony.  On the first Sunday of each month (with some exceptions for conferences or other special occasions), in place of calling upon members to speak (which can be its own problem), members of the congregation are invited to come to the pulpit and share a brief testimony of what they know to be true regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ.  While there are people that do not follow this council, many people stand and declare that they know that Jesus is real, that Joseph Smith is a prophet, that the Book of Mormon is true, that God answers prayers, and a variety of other topics.  Almost without exception, individuals include in their testimony that they 'know this church is true'.

The phrase is so often used that it seems more a cultural practice than a statement of actual testimony.  In many cases, "I know this church is true" amounts to vain repetition. (see Matthew 6:7)

For those that do not operate under the assumptions that Jesus Christ is real and the Bible is correct, the concept can be even more confusing.  This is probably due to the inclusion of the term "know."  An agnostic or atheist would point out that knowledge when used by a Christian is not actual knowledge.  A Mormon might mean that they have strong faith, or they have been convinced of the reality of something rather than actually knowing it. 

This is not entirely inaccurate, but only when accepting that humanity is not capable of knowledge.

Even in a scientific sense, proof relies on trusting tangible sources of information.  A secularist trusts the information they see, hear, touch, taste, or smell, and assume that their senses are giving them the truth.  More complicated scientific evidence is generally accepted if the tools used in gathering the evidence are trusted.  Even mathematical formulae are based fundamentally on assumptions.  Trust is often placed in instruments and senses when experiments are able to be duplicated, although in truth, duplication can only be shown to be precise.  Accuracy involves either knowing the truth, or showing respect to established assumptions.

With this understanding, a person cannot know that the earth is round.  A person can however trust that satellites, airplanes, ships, explorers, and the evidence collected by them via measurements, photographs, logs, or other sources enough to be convinced that the earth is round.

For those that do not trust the Bible or spiritual sources of information, it is not likely that the rest of this post will be fulfilling.  I do trust the Bible and prophets as sources of correct information.  I can only emphasize that if these sources are correct, then the knowledge derived from these sources is more important than any other knowledge.  They should be carefully and seriously considered by everyone.

For those that do trust the Bible and spiritual sources of information, the term true can still be confusing, particularly with its use among Mormons.  Its use did not begin as vain repetition.  In the introductory section of the Doctrine and Covenants, Jesus Christ declares "And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased..." (D&C 1:30)

This reveals an important implication of the term 'true'.  It implies that other churches are not 'true'.  While is is bold, and may even seem presumptuous, it is consistent with the origin of the church.

Before Joseph Smith became a prophet, he lived in an area and in a time of great religious revival.  Different churches competed one with another for membership, and many people were concerned what church God would want them to join.  Joseph searched the Holy Bible for answers when he came across a verse that represented the key to finding the truth.  The verse is in James 1:5: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Joseph Smith went to a quiet grove of trees and prayed to God that he might know what church was right.  Our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ appeared in answer to his prayer.  Joseph explains what Jesus said by saying "I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong" (JSH 1:19)

While this may seem harsh to call all other churches wrong in the age of modern political correctness, churches traditionally have been very exclusive.  Protestants were not only excommunicated from the Catholic church, but in many cases were labeled heretics and killed.  Protestants could be equally cruel in their treatment of others.

While the efforts of individuals to purify the religion of their fellow men are easily labeled as simplistic and barbaric today, these efforts were in some cases honest and based on a pattern laid by God himself.  Consider the example of Korah in the Old Testament.  He gathered several men of renown and peacefully came to Moses telling him he should share his power and not lift himself over the congregation of Israel.  In modern times, this might have seemed a sensible and legitimate request, but God disagreed.  He caused the earth to open up and swallow up these men and their families and their belongings.  (Numbers 16)

Even in New Testament times, God recognized only those that legitimately had power given of him, not those that claimed it of themselves.  Consider the story of the seven sons of Sceva who tried to emulate the Apostle Paul.  Paul had cast out devils in the name of Jesus Christ.  These sons of Sceva found a man possessed of an evil spirit and said "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth." (Acts 19:13)  The evil spirit was not compelled by them, and answered saying "Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" (Acts 19:15)  They were then stripped and beaten by the possessed man.

Jesus himself warned of false prophets. (Matthew 7:15, 24:11)  Those that follow his true Apostles and prophets follow him. (Matthew 28:19-20)

This forms the basis for calling a church 'true'.  The concept might more clearly be expressed.  Instead of saying "I know this church is true," perhaps Mormons should say what they actually believe.  We are saying that Jesus Christ himself leads the church.  We are saying that his true priesthood is in the church.  We are saying that his true prophets and apostles guide the church. 

It is bold statement, but it should not be so strange to Christians.  If Jesus Christ is real, and the Bible is true, would he be accepting of a conglomeration of bickering sects that doctrinally contradict one another?  Or would it be as his Apostle Paul taught, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)  If a person believes that he is the way, the truth, and the life, would it not be prudent to find out what he wants and if he has a church? (John 14:6)

Ultimately, everyone ought to be on a quest to find the truth.  Everyone ought to be searching for trustworthy sources of information.  I truly believe that all truth will eventually lead to an accepting of Jesus Christ, and his true church.