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After a review of the scriptural definitions of “gospel” and “church”, we review Elder Poelman’s talk from October 1984 General Conference which was re-recorded after-the-fact to completely change the message of his talk.
D&C 42:12
D&C 101:63, 67, 72, 74, 75
Mosiah 26:21
D&C 10:67-68
Alma 45:17
Mosiah 18:16-17
3 Nephi 26:21
3 Nephi 18:10-13
3 Nephi 18:16-24
Moroni 6:4-9
Hosea 4:6
D&C 124:31-32, 45
3 Nephi 27:11
This really is one of the most important things that mormons and all people need to learn. I went through several dark years in my life when I first came back from my mission and realized how corrupted the corporate church had become. I didn’t know what I believed anymore, because I had a testimony of the scriptures but supposedly that meant the church was true when it clearly no longer was. I am thankful that I had to analyze what I actually believe, but it has been an extremely painful process.
Furthermore, because of the apostasy in the church non mormons don’t even consider reading the Book of Mormon because they look at the bad examples of the church and the members and want nothing to do with us.
Thank you for this episode. I echo what Elder Poelman said in his talk, what you said in the podcast, and what Paul said in his comment: This is such an important distinction to make! Equating one with the other seems to be the very definition of blending the philosophies and traditions of men with scripture (Colossians 2:8).
It is amazing how the scriptural definition of ‘church’ is simply a group of believers in Christ. There is, of course, a type of formal organization, but the scriptural church is always subservient to the gospel and is tasked with teaching the specific and simple doctrine of Christ.
I find it interesting that the “church” (group of believers) organized by Alma the Elder at the waters of Mormon (Mosiah 16) were later incorporated with other believers under King Mosiah (Mosiah 25). Even with such a large group of believers (they couldn’t meet in one assembly in Zarahemla there were so many) they were still refered to as individual churches (a total of 7) with their own priests and teachers, Alma the Elder ultimately being the High Priest.
“Therefore they did assemble themselves together in different bodies, being called churches; every church having their priests and their teachers, and every priest preaching the word according as it was delivered to him by the mouth of Alma. And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all one church, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God. And now there were seven churches in the land of Zarahemla” (Mosiah 25:22-24)
To me this was one of the best podcast that has been given.
In the early 80’s I had to apply these concepts and principles that you have explored to stay balanced. Later, I came to realize in general terms that there are truths, half truths and lies given all the time and in all places. It is our responsibility to develop an opinion or knowledge and then go to GOD for the proper answer. Elder Poelmans unedited talk was one of inspiration and hope. Thank you for sharing your insights on these concepts.