Updating the five key points of a Latter Day Saint Testimony. (Testimony Glove Style)
Probably, most everyone is familiar with the Testimony Glove...the childhood indoctrination tool. I've added a few more things to supplement the basics expected of a child to accommodate a more mature understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Latter Day Saints.
I know that god is an exalted man who was tested as a mortal human being. I know I can partake of the same blessings given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to rule over my own worlds as a joint heir in the house of Israel. I know my blessings are contingent on my obedience to the commandments and to never questioning my leaders.
I know that Jesus Christ is our brother who was crucified to satisfy justice, to even the scales caused by our master progenitor's sin in the garden. I know that man will be punished for his own sins and not for Adam's transgression. I know that women will continue to be punished for Eve's temptations, and I'm okay with that. I know the earth has been baptized by water; and I know upon Jesus' imminent return, it will receive its baptism by fire and will be renewed to a perfect state and receive its paradisical glory.
I know that Joseph Smith had multiple encounters with deity, ghosts, and angels...so many that he had a hard time keeping track of time and place. I know that Joseph Smith had prodigious gifts, including the gift of the stone. I know that Joseph Smith is blessed to open the last dispensation. I know that Joseph Smith had up to 40 wives and I'm okay with that, including the two fourteen year olds who were promised eternal salvation upon agreeing to marry him. I believe Smith had no choice but to never question the deity's commandments; thus he has earned his exaltation, cemented in place via the second anointing ritual, never to be moved. He will rule as king (alongside his legions of designated queens) forever and ever.
I know that all of the Apostles are designated as seers and revelators and hold the keys into the kingdom. I know they employ professional lawyers, professional public relations officials, professional investment consultants to manage their vast networks and worldwide enterprises. I know they own many high end properties, including a mall, and I'm okay with that. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a registered copyright held in trust by the Corporation of the President. I know that document delineates where assets will be distributed upon the closing of the church.
I know that the Latter Day Saint movement is currently ruled over by Thomas S. Monson. Not Stephen M. Veazey. Not Warren S. Jeffs. I know that he must have had a good reason for excluding LGBT persons and family members from attending church. I know it wasn't just "sour grapes" in the wake of his losses in California Prop 8 and Obergefell v. Hodges. I know that Matthew 11:28 and Matthew 19:14 are effectively revoked by our living prophet, and I'm okay with that.
Posted Dec 17, 2016, 3:18 PM UTC · edited