Comments on: A Mormon View of Islam, 1874

By: gfmucci

gfmucci — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:28:38 +0000

[edited]

[Keepa is not the place for strangers to post political rants or religious screeds. -- AEP]

By: Your niece

Your niece — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:41:20 +0000

You should have told me about this post! I don’t read your blog regularly. I’m just waiting up tonight to register for classes at the first opportunity.

Quran 5:48

And unto thee [O Prophet] have We vouchsafed this divine writ, setting forth the truth, confirming the truth of whatever there still remains of earlier revelations and determining what is true therein. Judge, then, between the followers of earlier revelation in accordance with what God has bestowed from on high, and do not follow their errant views, forsaking the truth that has come unto thee. Unto every one of you have We appointed a [different] law and way of life. And if God had so willed, He could surely have made you all one single community: but [He willed it otherwise] in order to test you by means of what He has vouchsafed unto, you. Vie, then, with one another in doing good works! Unto God you all must return; and then He will make you truly understand all that on which you were wont to differ.

By: Arthur H.

Arthur H. — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:08:07 +0000

I certainly appreciate this post. I have often thought that Latter-day Saints would feel quite comfortable in the Middle East amongst our Muslim brethren. In some matters. It seems that in mainstream Protestantism the emphasis on grace is so strong that “clean living” often has a stigma attached, at least, here in the Bible Belt.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:54:49 +0000

Yeah ... it's certainly quoted a lot in material published at lds.org but it isn't there as a stand-alone document, maybe because there's no compilation of First Presidency statements What appears to be the complete statement is on the website, though, quoted in the January 1988 Ensign (at the bottom of this linked page).

Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from mortal progenitors, but also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father. The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God’s light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals. The Hebrew prophets prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, who should provide salvation for all mankind who believe in the gospel. Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all people sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come. We also declare that the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored to his Church in our day, provides the only way to a mortal life of happiness and a fullness of joy forever. For those who have not received this gospel, the opportunity will come to them in the life hereafter if not in this life. Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are the sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father. (Statement by the First Presidency regarding God's Love for All Mankind, issued February 15, 1978)

By: curious

curious — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 07:59:51 +0000

I like the idea that, though this is the true Church in the sense that it holds true authority and teaches truths found nowhere else, other faiths can still have something to teach us, and may even have proceeded at least in part from revelation from God. It’s nice to see that this notion has a long tradition in Mormon thought. It’s really refreshing.

I’ve read a number of talks on lds.org that reference the “Statement of the First Presidency Regarding God’s Love for All Mankind”, given in February, 1978. I’ve read text of the statement on other websites, and it promotes this same idea, stating explicitly that Muhammad and other people from all cultures were given truths from God for the betterment of their societies. Strangely, though, I’m having trouble finding the text on lds.org, or any official church website. I don’t know why this is so.

By: Anne (U.K)

Anne (U.K) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:09:46 +0000

Having been brought up on stories of Richard the Lionheart at the Crusades, the shock when our history teacher informed us that Muslims were very religious and learned and creative was almost palpable. It’s good to see the JI was fair and balanced. Thanks for the post, Ardis.

By: Monty Thompson

Monty Thompson — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:34:34 +0000

I’m sure that I read it from a credible source, I remember it was during the exodus to Nauvoo. My family lived in Saudi Arabia at the time I quoted it to my wife and we both had a chuckle. I also remember the “early brothern” stating that the Prophet Mohammed’s a true prophet for his people, for his time, (or something like that)I’m sure that was from Nibley, thats why I thought the vail quote was from Nibley also. I am sorry that my comment will be associated with your blog but you are good at remembering. Sorry for not providing any references, I’ll be more careful when “Its out there” it is way out.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:33:03 +0000

On the other hand, I don’t want to discourage questions from readers who are trying to find something they once read, or aren’t sure about something they’ve been told. Questions are always welcome.

It’s just that in an ideal world (ha! as if!), Keepa wouldn’t ever contribute to the rumors and speculations that muddy people’s perceptions of our history.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:22:50 +0000

No, Monty, I’ve never seen anything like that. It’s far enough “out there” that I would require a direct source (either to Pratt or to Nibley) that I could look up and verify myself before I’d consider it authentic.

I kind of wish questions and comments about potentially startling claims came with the sources already supplied, because the idea, no matter how fanciful it might be, is now planted in readers’ minds and associated vaguely with Keepa.

By: Monty Thompson

Monty Thompson — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:09:49 +0000

Ardis,
Have you ever saw the quote by PPratt that he felt the Mormon women should cover (wear a vail over their face)? I believe is was Nibley who who made the comment.