No doubt that Utocoman will be punished for his wrongdoings...but he will also rewarded for those good things which he has done.

As will we all.

Try to remember this, set aside the tendency towards self-righteousness...and you will do well.

How old are you Leo?

Of course I am not always righteous. That is why I repent of my unrighteousness everyday. I am 18 3/4 years old. Why?

Leonardo wrote:
Of course I am not always righteous. That is why I repent of my unrighteousness everyday. I am 18 3/4 years old. Why?

Because you speak as one who has not experienced much of life as yet.

You are probably in the process of preparing for your mission. If someone asks if it were true that Joseph Smith committed bigamy...what will you say?

If someone asks if it were true that Joseph Smith sent men to commit the crime of destruction of a privately owned printing press...what will you say?

If someone reads the Book of Mormon, and reads the words of the prophet Jacob, regarding the abomination of plurality of wives...and asks why Joseph Smith turned around and claimed that God commanded him to commit this abomination and engage in the very thing that the Nephites were doing...and in so doing...pissed God off...what will you say?

If they bring up the issue about blacks being denied the priesthood for so long...and they have done enough research to know that Joseph Smith never believed that the blacks could not receive the priesthood...and in fact...he had, himself, bestowed the gift of the priesthood on a number of black members...what will you say?

How will you explain the contradictions? How will you explain Brigham Young's outright bigotry?

How will you explain Brigham's doctrine of Blood Atonement?

It has been my experience that most young Elders know very little about the history of their own faith...and of the behavior of it's founder, and his successors.

They embark on their mission armed with their testimonies regarding what little they learned in Sunday School, Primary, Young Adults, Seminary, and sometimes at the local Institute of Religion...and of course...the MTC.

But they know very little indeed. I know. I was very much like you when I was your age.

Leonardo wrote:
Of course I am not always righteous. That is why I repent of my unrighteousness everyday. I am 18 3/4 years old. Why?

Well youngster you wanted some proof of Joseph Smith drinking well how's this:

The History of the Church contains this information concerning an incident in Carthage jail:

"Before the jailor came in, his boy brought in some water, and said the guard wanted some wine. Joseph gave Dr. Richards two dollars to give the guard; but the guard said one was enough, and would take no more.

"The guard immediately sent for a bottle of wine, pipes, and two small papers of tobacco; and one of the guards brought them into the jail soon after the jailor went out. Dr. Richards uncorked the bottle, and presented a glass to Joseph, who tasted, as Brother Taylor and the doctor, and the bottle was then given to the guard, who turned to go out." (History of the Church, Vol. 6, page 616)


Under the date of May 2, 1843, the following statement is recorded in Joseph Smith's History of the Church:

"Wednesday, 3.--Called at the office and drank a glass of wine with Sister Jenetta Richards, made by her mother in England, and reviewed a portion of the conference minutes." (History of the Church, Vol. 5, p. 380)


In the History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 26, we find the following:

"The council proceeded to investigate certain charges presented by Elder Rigdon against Martin Harris; one was, that he told A.C. Russell, Esq., that Joseph drank too much liquor when he was translating the Book of Mormon;...

"Brother Harris did not tell Esq., Russell that Brother Joseph drank too much liquor while translating the Book of Mormon, but this thing occurred previous to the translating of the book;..."

I have more if you want!!!

Just Reading wrote:
Leonardo wrote:
Of course I am not always righteous. That is why I repent of my unrighteousness everyday. I am 18 3/4 years old. Why?

Well youngster you wanted some proof of Joseph Smith drinking well how's this:

The History of the Church contains this information concerning an incident in Carthage jail:

"Before the jailor came in, his boy brought in some water, and said the guard wanted some wine. Joseph gave Dr. Richards two dollars to give the guard; but the guard said one was enough, and would take no more.

"The guard immediately sent for a bottle of wine, pipes, and two small papers of tobacco; and one of the guards brought them into the jail soon after the jailor went out. Dr. Richards uncorked the bottle, and presented a glass to Joseph, who tasted, as Brother Taylor and the doctor, and the bottle was then given to the guard, who turned to go out." (History of the Church, Vol. 6, page 616)


Under the date of May 2, 1843, the following statement is recorded in Joseph Smith's History of the Church:

"Wednesday, 3.--Called at the office and drank a glass of wine with Sister Jenetta Richards, made by her mother in England, and reviewed a portion of the conference minutes." (History of the Church, Vol. 5, p. 380)


In the History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 26, we find the following:

"The council proceeded to investigate certain charges presented by Elder Rigdon against Martin Harris; one was, that he told A.C. Russell, Esq., that Joseph drank too much liquor when he was translating the Book of Mormon;...

"Brother Harris did not tell Esq., Russell that Brother Joseph drank too much liquor while translating the Book of Mormon, but this thing occurred previous to the translating of the book;..."

I have more if you want!!!

Now go easy on the kid. Second thought, never mind.

Leonardo, welcome to the real world. My only advice is to stay focused on what's important. Your family and your relationship with Heavenly Father. Otherwise all this other stuff is going to drive you batty.

Good and sage advice Thomas. I heartily agree.