The problem with Limited Geography,

[DrumNFeather]

Originally Posted by Solon

Mormons think they have a monopoly on truth

Is this a statement of fact or opinion? It seems to be presented as a statement of fact.

My opinion, is that Mormons believe they have a monopoly on Priesthood Authority, which is different from truth, but can certainly be considered an enabler of truth.

I don't know if it is still a standard part of the missionary lessons, but when I was a missionary, we flat out aknowledged that other churches had fragements of "truth." In saying so, we also aknowledged that this was because of the apostacy and that certain teachings and truths have been scattered or "lost." Recent conference talks have focused on the history of modern Christianity as well and how the christion/catholic doctrines and beliefs came to be...and by mostly factual evidence (Conference at Nicea etc...)

I would argue that much of what we (LDS) say is true is based more on the Priesthood authority that we believe has been restored than some kind of monopoly we are alleged to purport to have on truth.

[tooblue]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

I merely supplied a handful of examples to show there is strong circumstantial evidence that there were ancient ties between the Middle East and South/Central America. I didn't explicitly try to tie it to anything specific in the Book of Mormon. I'm not sure how much apologism that amounts to.

None whatsoever but then again SU is the expert on what 'may' be considered evidence.

[Indy Coug]

In order for us to have a monopoly on truth, for example, we would have to be the sole teachers of the doctrine that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind. We hardly have a monopoly on that item and many others.

More ridiculous hyperbole from Solon.

[scottie]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

In order for us to have a monopoly on truth, for example, we would have to be the sole teachers of the doctrine that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind. We hardly have a monopoly on that item and many others.

More ridiculous hyperbole from Solon.

We do claim to be the only church with all of the truth, so that could be what Solon was referring to by saying "monopoly on truth".

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by scottie

We do claim to be the only church with all of the truth, so that could be what Solon was referring to by saying "monopoly on truth".

We don't claim to have all truth. We don't even freaking know why blacks were denied the priesthood.

We do claim that we are closer to the truth than all other Christian denominations, and have the authority to perform saving ordinances.

[Solon]

Originally Posted by DrumNFeather

Is this a statement of fact or opinion? It seems to be presented as a statement of fact.

My opinion, is that Mormons believe they have a monopoly on Priesthood Authority, which is different from truth, but can certainly be considered an enabler of truth.

I don't know if it is still a standard part of the missionary lessons, but when I was a missionary, we flat out aknowledged that other churches had fragements of "truth." In saying so, we also aknowledged that this was because of the apostacy and that certain teachings and truths have been scattered or "lost." Recent conference talks have focused on the history of modern Christianity as well and how the christion/catholic doctrines and beliefs came to be...and by mostly factual evidence (Conference at Nicea etc...)

I would argue that much of what we (LDS) say is true is based more on the Priesthood authority that we believe has been restored than some kind of monopoly we are alleged to purport to have on truth.

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

In order for us to have a monopoly on truth, for example, we would have to be the sole teachers of the doctrine that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind. We hardly have a monopoly on that item and many others.

More ridiculous hyperbole from Solon.

It's not hyperbole. Nor is it ridiculous.

D&C 1.30: "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth"

Believing that everyone has pieces, but only LDS have the "whole" truth is a monopoly on truth, and pretty smug, IMO. Hey, fine by me if people want to believe it. That's their prerogative. But they end up painting themselves into a corner by claiming facts, knowledge, and absolutes in realms of faith and belief.

Thanks for making it personal, Indy. You're the king of Pennsylvania.

[scottie]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

We don't claim to have all truth.

News to me.

[MikeWaters]

A church being "true" does not mean the church has "the whole truth."

I don't think even the mullahs here would make the argument the church has "the whole truth."

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by scottie

News to me.

You conveniently didn't quote my second sentence which was an example of a gap in "the whole truth."

Sophistry and guile.

[scottie]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

A church being "true" does not mean the church has "the whole truth."

I don't think even the mullahs here would make the argument the church has "the whole truth."

This is getting better by the minute.